Kano Centre for Disease Control Confirms Death of French Health Worker and Two Lassa Fever Infections in Minjibir, Kano State

Kano State is grappling with a fresh Lassa fever scare after the Kano Centre for Disease Control confirmed the death of a foreign health worker and two new infections linked to the outbreak.

The agency’s Director-General, Mohammed Adamu, shared the details during a briefing with journalists on Monday night.

Tragic Loss of Médecins Sans Frontières Staff

The deceased, a French national working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), fell ill about a week after arriving in Nigeria.

According to Adamu, she initially sought medical attention for a fever, but her condition worsened rapidly, and she began bleeding.

Tragically, she passed away on the same day she was admitted to hospital.

“After three days, she discovered the illness was deteriorating as she was bleeding.

Unfortunately, she passed away on that same day,” Adamu said.

Her remains were temporarily kept at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital’s mortuary while authorities confirmed the Lassa fever diagnosis.

Secondary Infections Identified

Following contact tracing, health authorities discovered two more individuals infected with Lassa fever — a doctor from Minjibir and another woman who had interacted with the index patient.

Out of 62 contacts traced across five local government areas, 25 were deemed at risk.

Laboratory testing revealed 22 negative results, while three tested positive — one of whom had already died, leaving two currently in isolation.

Adamu explained that the female patient is being treated at AKTH isolation unit, while the doctor is receiving care at the Yargaya isolation center.

“We have deployed our personnel to intensify public enlightenment in Minjibir to sensitise the people,” he added.

Public Health Response Underway

Authorities are working swiftly to curb further spread.

The Ministry of Environment will fumigate affected areas to eliminate Mastomys rats, which are primary carriers of the virus.

Residents are being advised to maintain strict hygiene and avoid contact with contaminated surfaces or food.

Lassa fever, endemic to West Africa, is a viral hemorrhagic illness that can cause fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, and severe bleeding in critical cases.

About one in four survivors may suffer permanent hearing loss.

There is no licensed vaccine, but early supportive care and the antiviral drug ribavirin remain the most effective treatments.

What’s Next?

The Kano CDC is continuing aggressive contact tracing and public awareness campaigns, particularly in Minjibir, to identify any further infections early.

Health teams are monitoring all exposed individuals and providing treatment promptly to prevent complications.

Additional fumigation efforts are planned, and authorities are coordinating with hospitals to ensure isolation facilities are fully equipped.

Summary

A Lassa fever outbreak in Kano State has claimed the life of a French Médecins Sans Frontières staff member and infected two more people.

The Kano CDC traced 62 contacts, with three testing positive, while 22 tested negative.

The female patient is in isolation at AKTH, and the infected doctor is being treated at Yargaya isolation center.

Public health measures include intensified awareness campaigns, contact tracing, and fumigation to remove infected rats.

Early treatment with ribavirin remains critical, as there is no vaccine for the virus.