Mystery Disease Claims Lives Of Three Health Workers, Patient At Kaduna Army Hospital

Mystery Disease Claims Lives Of Three Health Workers, Patient At Kaduna Army Hospital

A mysterious disease outbreak at the Nigeria Army Referral Hospital, Kaduna (NARHK) has led to the tragic deaths of three health workers and a patient, sparking concerns and swift action from authorities…..READ ALSO Former World Medical Association President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, Advocates for Ethical Governance In Global Health At SAMA 2024 Conference

In an internal memo dated February 21, the Nigerian Army reported the sudden loss of three staff members and a patient within 48 hours, suspecting the cause to be Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF). The index patient, who presented with a febrile illness ten days prior, triggered the alarming chain of events.

Symptoms mimicking malaria escalated to acute kidney failure, prompting the closure of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit for thorough disinfection. Samples were swiftly dispatched to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory for analysis, with Kaduna State epidemiologists summoned to assist in containing the outbreak.

Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the situation, clarifying that the suspected disease has claimed the lives of medical staff who had direct contact with the index case. Stringent infection prevention and control measures have been initiated, including the closure and decontamination of affected wards.

Amidst assurances of collaborative efforts with relevant agencies and heightened surveillance in military healthcare facilities, the Nigerian Army urges calm among the public. It emphasizes transparency and adherence to international best practices in managing the suspected outbreak, reaffirming its commitment to civil-military relations and community welfare.

Despite this setback, the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to provide medical services to civilians, pledging ongoing support to host communities and steadfast efforts to contain the situation.