The Plateau state government has placed all academic and non-academic staff who had contact with the students that tested positive for Lassa fever under surveillance.

All the students and neighbouring communities of the FGGC would also be placed on surveillance for the next 21 days.
The Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Ministry of Health, Gatau Habila, expressed these views on Saturday in Jos.

A student, Faith Bako, was confirmed dead at the FGGC, Lantang, following a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the institution.

He said, “All the teachers, including the security men and all the surrounding communities, have been checked and placed under surveillance. It is the same with the medical personnel in Jos University Teaching Hospital who had contact with them during treatment. We have sent officials there to check them and place them under surveillance in case anything comes up.

“For the other students that are already at home, what we have decided is this: there is a 21-day latent period for Lassa fever. I spoke with the Principal of the FGGC, Lantang, and a director in the Federal Ministry of Health.

“Based on advice, the students at home should not return to school and the ones in the school should not even leave because if they leave, they will mix with the society and they may infect people.”

Azeez