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The Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (NARHK) has been closed following the deaths of three staff members and a patient, all suspected to have succumbed to acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) within two days.
Brigadier General S.O. Okoigi, the Acting Corps Commander Medical (CCM) of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this information in an internal memo dated February 21, 2024, as seen by LEADERSHIP. He also revealed that several others were in critical condition.
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The suspected index patient, who has also passed away, was admitted to the Army hospital with a febrile illness approximately 10 days prior.
According to Brig-Gen. Okoigi, “The A&E has been closed for a thorough disinfection process, and samples have been collected from suspected contacts and the deceased.
These samples have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis.”
Brig-Gen. Okoigi further informed that Kaduna State Epidemiologists have been called upon to assist in determining the cause of the febrile illness and to take measures to prevent its spread. Strict disease Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have also been implemented.
Additionally, antiviral treatment (Ribavirin injection) has been initiated for other suspected cases and individuals identified through contact tracing.
To contain the situation, the Corps Commander added that NARHK has been directed to temporarily suspend accepting new cases from the general public, and 44 NARHK is actively working to manage and control the current circumstances.
