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Tag: Lassa fever

  • Edo records 56 cases, eight deaths from LASSA fever

    Edo records 56 cases, eight deaths from LASSA fever

    Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, said the State has recorded 56 Lassa fever cases and eight deaths.

    Speaking in Benin, he said the outbreak posed significant public health concern in view of its potential for rapid transmission and severe outcomes, if not effectively managed.

    Oshiomhole said: “The 2025 epidemic year began on December 30, 2024. Since then, Edo State has recorded 336 suspected cases, of which 56 have been confirmed positive, with eight deaths.”

    He also stated that the figures were recorded between December 30, 2024 and January 24, 2025.

    He said 14 patients were receiving experts’ care at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital’s (ISTH’s) Lassa fever treatment centre.

    Oshiomhole noted that Edo recorded 3,270 suspected cases in 2024, of which 292 were confirmed positive, with 41 deaths, while the 2024 figures marked an improvement from the 2023 outbreak, where 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths.

    He said: “To contain the outbreak, Edo State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms. We are collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to implement measures against the disease.

    “We are placing emphasis on enhanced surveillance, more treatment centres, public awareness campaigns, infection prevention and control, and collaboration with partners.

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    “Edo residents should be vigilant and report anyone around them that exhibits symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility immediately. Early detention and treatment significantly improve outcomes.”

    He urged members of the response team to redouble their efforts to drastically reduce the case fatality rate, while assuring of government’s commitment to providing the necessary support.

    He revealed that the molecular laboratory at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) had been optimised for Lassa fever testing, thereby bringing to two, including that of ISTH, thereby strengthening Edo state’s testing capacity and response capabilities.

    Oshiomhole, while activating Edo response team, appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi of ISTH as the state’s Lassa fever incident manager.

  • Lassa fever: Nigeria to host regional meeting on vaccine development

    Lassa fever: Nigeria to host regional meeting on vaccine development

    Nigeria is set to host its inaugural regional meeting on Lassa fever vaccine development on January 15, 2025, showcasing its leadership in tackling one of West Africa’s most pressing public health challenges, it emerged on Monday. 

    This was revealed by Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he emphasised the importance of this meeting in driving collaborative efforts across the region. 

    “Nigeria is at the forefront of efforts to develop a vaccine for Lassa fever. We are working with a consortium of countries, and this discussion is a step towards a long-term solution to the Lassa fever problem,” he said. 

    Addressing Nigeria’s broader health landscape, Pate highlighted the need for collaboration between various sectors and levels of government to improve health outcomes. 

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    He pointed out that factors such as education, sanitation, water access, and security are deeply intertwined with health. 

    For instance, he noted that uneducated mothers are more likely to have children who miss essential immunisations, underlining the link between education and public health. 

    Security challenges also hinder healthcare delivery in parts of the country, particularly vaccination campaigns, he also noted, stressing the importance of involving the military and security agencies in overcoming these barriers, ensuring that vital health services reach even the most remote and conflict-prone areas. 

    Beyond addressing Lassa fever, the Minister outlined the government’s vision for a more robust health system under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    This vision, he said, aims to provide equitable access to essential healthcare services, from routine immunisations and maternal care to advanced treatments for conditions like cancer. 

    He stressed that healthcare must go hand-in-hand with broader social support systems, such as improved sanitation, nutrition, and financial protection for vulnerable groups. 

    Furthermore, he explained that to mitigate the financial strain of health crises on families, the government has introduced initiatives like the Vulnerable Group Fund, which provides resources for basic healthcare. 

    He also advocated for the establishment of a catastrophic health insurance fund under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which would shield low-income families from the devastating costs of major illnesses. 

    Reflecting on the interconnection between sectors, Pate acknowledged ongoing collaborations with Ministries such as Environment, Water Resources, and Women’s Affairs, noting that the partnerships have been instrumental in addressing health challenges like cholera outbreaks, where access to clean water and improved sanitation are crucial. 

    He, however, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a health system that serves the people’s needs while fostering cooperation across all sectors and levels of governance. 

    “Health is central to social protection and poverty alleviation. A family pushed into poverty due to illness is a tragedy we can prevent with the right systems in place,” he said. 

    Lassa fever remains a critical health issue in Nigeria, with cases reported in almost all the states of the country. 

    In 2024, the nation recorded 9,685 suspected cases, 1,187 confirmed infections, and 191 deaths across 138 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 28 states. 

    The disease, caused by the Lassa virus and primarily spread by multimammate rats, has a history of peak outbreaks during the dry season. 

    Among other steps, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reactivated its Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre in December 2024 to manage the current outbreak

  • Lassa fever: NCDC, experts advocate hygiene, early treatment

    Lassa fever: NCDC, experts advocate hygiene, early treatment

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the country is experiencing a surge in Lassa fever cases.

    It said Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo states have recorded higher numbers since November 2024.

    The centre’s Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

    Idris said the disease control agency had issued a comprehensive public advisory on Lassa fever, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures as cases continue to rise during the peak transmission season.

    The NCDC boss warned that the peak dry season, which lasts until April, could exacerbate outbreak if preventive measures were not strictly adhered to.

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    NAN reports that Lassa fever, named after the town of Lassa in Borno State where it was first identified in 1969, is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring almost every year.

    The viral haemorrhagic disease is primarily transmitted through contact with food or surfaces contaminated with excretions from infected rodents.

    The disease can also spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, making healthcare workers and caregivers particularly vulnerable.

    Symptoms range from mild fever and joint pain to severe bleeding from the nose, mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

    The disease is fatal in about 20 per cent of cases, particularly when treatment is delayed.

    Idris recommended frequent hand-washing with soap and water, storing of food items in rodent-proof containers and proper disposal of waste to deter rodents.

    The NCDC boss stressed the need for increased public awareness and early intervention, which he described as keys to curbing an outbreak.

    He assured Nigerians that the centre had intensified surveillance and response activities in affected states.

    Idris also urged Nigerians to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility and ensure that proper hygiene practices are observed.

    He said late reporting of cases had been a major source of concern hindering effective containment.

    Also, a public health expert, Dr. Tunde Oladipo, described Lassa fever outbreak as “a serious but preventable health crisis”.

    He said: “Strict hygiene practices, proper food storage and rodent control are crucial to reducing transmission. Individuals should avoid unprotected contact with sick persons or their fluids.”

  • Lassa fever claims 190 lives in 2024, says NCDC

    Lassa fever claims 190 lives in 2024, says NCDC

    …activates EOC

    Lassa fever has claimed 190 lives from 9,492 suspected cases in 2024, it emerged on Monday.

    The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Jide Idris, reported that of the 9,492 suspected cases this year, 1,154 were confirmed, resulting in 190 deaths and a case fatality rate of over 13%.

    According to him, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi account for 89% of the confirmed cases, with Ondo at 29.7%, Edo 22.7%, Bauchi 17.9%, Taraba 8.8%, Benue 5.6%, and Ebonyi 4%.

    Additionally, he stated that 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo, and Idah, contribute to nearly 59% of the confirmed cases.

    The DG, while briefing the media in Abuja on Monday regarding the Lassa Fever update, preparedness, and response measures by the agency, revealed a marked increase in both the number of cases and fatalities over the past four weeks, highlighting the severity of the outbreak.

    He, however, attributed the rise partly to enhanced surveillance efforts that have led to the identification of more suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.

    Most of the new cases continue to emerge from endemic regions such as Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Enugu, indicating the necessity for targeted interventions in these areas, he said.

    “Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a persistent public health threat throughout the year. The disease typically sees peak transmission between October and May, coinciding with the dry season when human exposure to rodents is at its highest,” he noted.

    He said that in response to the current situation, the NCDC, as standard procedure, has categorised the outbreak risk as high and has advised Response Level 2.

    “This classification has led to the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to ensure coordinated control and management activities using a One Health approach,” he added.

    Read Also: Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    He also declared that the NCDC has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address the outbreak, which includes conducting a dynamic risk assessment to determine the appropriate emergency activation level and tailoring response efforts to the states experiencing the highest number of cases.

    “Critical medical supplies, infection prevention and control materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools have been distributed nationwide. The number of Lassa fever testing laboratories has been expanded from nine to thirteen, with plans for further upgrades to enhance testing capacity.

    “Mitigation activities outlined in the Lassa fever preparedness plan involve issuing advisories to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a particular focus on hotspot states such as Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Ondo, and Benue.

    “The NCDC has also organised regular training sessions and webinar series to equip healthcare workers with the necessary skills to manage the outbreak effectively.

    “Collaboration with State Health Commissioners is ongoing to strengthen the outbreak response across different regions,” he explained.

    Public awareness campaigns are being conducted through local radio and television stations in the most affected states, including Ebonyi, Bauchi, Benue, and Ondo, in partnership with various organisations.

    To mitigate environmental risks, rodent control measures have been implemented in high-burden states like Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, and Benue, targeting communities with the highest number of cases in collaboration with partner Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    He, however, emphasised that addressing the current Lassa fever outbreak requires a coordinated and sustained effort to protect vulnerable populations and reduce both the number of cases and fatalities.

    While assuring that the agency remains committed to preparedness, coordination, and response at all levels to combat this ongoing public health challenge, he urged the public to keep the environment clean, block holes in houses, store food securely and avoid drying food outdoors.

    He also encouraged the public to eliminate rats, practise good hygiene, avoid self-medication, and visit health facilities early if symptoms occur.

    Healthcare workers were advised to use protective gear, report suspected cases, and remain vigilant.

  • Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recorded a rise in Lassa fever cases in week 39 of 2024, with Ondo and Edo states reporting nine new confirmed cases.

    The NCDC stated this on its official website, based on latest Lassa Fever Situation Report.

    The agency said that this marked an increase from four cases reported in  previous week, raising the total number of infection and deaths in the year to alarming levels.

    The NCDC revealed that “the country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to 1,018 across 28 states.

    “As of week 39 (September 23-29), 172 deaths have been reported, reflecting a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9 per cent, compared to 16.8 per cent in the same period in 2023.”

    It highlighted that the new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states, two of the three states that account for 68 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2024.

    It noted that “Ondo reported 28 per cent of the cases, followed by Edo with 23 per cent and Bauchi, 17 per cent.”

    Read Also: Mpox: NCDC confirms 40 cases as US donates vaccine to Nigeria

    The NCDC said that the predominant age group affected by the disease ranged from 31 to 40 years, with an equal number of male and female patients.

    It said that no healthcare workers were affected during the reporting week, a positive sign amid heightened number of cases.

    The Nigerian public health agency said that in spite of nationwide efforts to curb spread of the disease, the increasing number of deaths is worrisome.

    It attributed the high CFR to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.

    It noted that the challenges, coupled with limited access to treatment, were posing significant threats to the country’s ability to reduce fatalities.

    The agency said the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) had continued to coordinate response activities, while alerts were sent through the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS) on ongoing efforts.

    The NCDC added that its partners had rolled out various interventions to bolster efforts toward tackling the menace. 

    Lassa fever, identified by the World Health Organisation as pathogen with high potential for severe outbreaks, poses growing threat as climate change puts an estimated 700 million people at risk.

    Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle pain, and in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding, as survivors often suffer from long-term complications, such as deafness.

    Meanwhile, as Nigeria battles the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, public health experts said concerted efforts are required from both the government and the public to avert further loss of lives.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria records decline in Cholera, Diphtheria, Lassa Fever

    Nigeria records decline in Cholera, Diphtheria, Lassa Fever

    …as NCDC alerts public to next outbreaks

    Nigeria has recorded a decline in cases of cholera, diphtheria, and Lassa fever, with fewer states reporting outbreaks, although the public is urged to prepare for potential future outbreaks due to the seasonal nature of these diseases.

    This was disclosed by Jide Idris, the director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), during a press briefing in Abuja, where he highlighted the agency’s efforts in managing disease outbreaks in the country.

    He said: “Preparing for the seasonal diseases is key. Lassa fever is on the decline. Meningitis is on the decline because we have been advised to deactivate the EOC.

    “We know that this is seasonal, and very soon it will start coming up. We’re expecting Lassa fever to be on the rise again in the next couple of weeks.

    “Meningitis, again, will peak again towards the beginning of next year. So, right now, we should start preparing people, to ensure that we put down all the strategies for preventing diseases so that we do not record as many cases as we recorded in the current year and the previous year.

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    “In preparing, we stockpile materials we need for whatever it is when these things occur in terms of medicines, in terms of PPEs, in terms and medical countermeasures.

    “We increase our public awareness, so in the next couple of weeks now we’re going to increase specific public awareness concerning Lassa fever and meningitis so that this will be sustained. We have to prepare the minds of the people again.”

    Given the breakdown of the disease outbreak over the year, Idris said there was a 55% reduction in the number of cases in week 36 compared to week 35.

    He said eight confirmed cases of Mpox were recorded across eight States bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak to 67 across 23 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 1031 suspected cases across all States of the Federation and the FCT, except Borno State.

    Though no deaths have been recorded so far, the DG, however, said it is investigating the reason behind Borno State’s no-report status.

    He said among other steps, NCDC is expanding its network of molecular laboratories with at least 2 laboratories to be optimized in each geopolitical zone

    Idria also revealed that the country has recorded a 55 percent reduction in the number of cases of Cholera in week 36 compared to week 35 with one death from 141 suspected cases.

    Noting that in 2024, the country recorded 7,663 suspected cases of cholera across 35 States and the FCT in 280 LGAs, the DG warned that with the decline in cholera cases, it is important to maintain vigilance and not become complacent in the fight against the disease.

    He said, cumulatively, from January to date, 216 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 2.8 percent from 7,663 suspected cases.

    He said: In total for 2024, 35 States and the FCT have recorded at least one suspected case across 280 LGAs. 89% of all suspected cases were reported from these 10 States of Lagos -58%; Bayelsa – 7%; Katsina -6%; Jigawa – 5%; Zamfara -3%; Ebonyi – 3%; Rivers – 2%; Abia -2%; Ogun -2%; and Imo – 1%.

    “15 LGAs account for 57% of all cases, with Lagos Island LGA contributing the highest – 8%. The predominant age affected is two to 14 years. Males account for 52% of cases, female 48%”.

    On Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), Idris said the nation has recorded a total of 4915 suspected cases including 361 deaths (CFR 7.3%) have been reported from 24 States in the 2023/2024 season.

    He said the age group 5-14 years was reported as the most affected, while 60% of the total suspected cases are male while listing the five most affected States as Yobe (3014), Bauchi (517), Jigawa (389), Katsina (352), and Gombe (316) that accounts for 93% of all cases reported.

    According to him, this translates to a high increase in the trend of cases in 2024 compared to the last 4 years (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively)

    On Lassa fever, he said between the 19th and 25th of August, Nigeria recorded 80 suspected cases of Lassa fever across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States. Fortunately, no deaths were reported during this period.

    Cumulatively, from January to August 25th, a total of 7,973 suspected cases have been reported across 127 LGAs in 28 states. This translates to at least one suspected case in every State of the federation, including FCT.

    On Yellow Fever, 1728 total suspected cases have been recorded within the week under review from the 36 States and the FCT across 496 LGAs reporting suspected cases (64.1%)

    According to Idris, 211 were vaccinated among all cases, translating to 12.2% while three deaths were recorded from confirmed Lassa fever cases in seven LGAs across four States.

    Bayelsa recorded two confirmed cases from the Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa LGAs, Ondo State had four confirmed cases, with one each from Akoko North West, Akoko South West, Ondo West, and Akoko North East LGAs, Ogun State reported one confirmed case from Ijebu North LGA, while Oyo State also recorded one confirmed case in Iseyin LGA.

    Idris expressed concern over the low vaccination rate of just 12.2% for the disease, stressing the need to raise awareness and encourage the public to take advantage of the vaccine-preventable disease.

    On Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Idris altered the nation to the situation he said required concerted efforts of the public to mitigate, saying, that as of 2019, 64,500 deaths were attributable to AMR while 263,400 deaths were associated with it.

    Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, Idris said: “The AMR pandemic has surpassed the big three—malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.”

    He said both medical workers and patients must exercise due diligence by reversing the negative trend of poor levels of AMR awareness among health workers, policymakers, and the general public; overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health; and taking antibiotics when they are not needed.

    Decrying the limited surveillance systems for tracking AMR trends as a contributory factor to AMR, he also admonishes that the public must refrain from buying antibiotics without a prescription, using too many antibiotics in farming while poor hygiene and sanitation in community, health facilities, farms, and abattoirs must be taken seriously.

    Idris also provided an update on Diphtheria, stating that from 2022 to August 2024, 36,151 suspected cases across 36 States and the FCT, covering 332 LGAs were recorded.

    Of the number, 1,103 deaths from 21,938 confirmed cases from 173 LGAs across 26 states were recorded, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 5.0%.

  • Lassa Fever: NCDC registers seven new cases

    Lassa Fever: NCDC registers seven new cases

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it registered seven additional new cases of Lassa fever from Edo, Bauchi and Kogi states.

    The NCDC said this via its official website on Friday, adding that the seven cases were recorded between July 22 and July 28.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic (excessive bleeding) illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or persons.

    Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, uunexplained bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

    NCDC said Edo reported four cases, Bauchi two, while Kogi recorded one with no deaths recorded during the period under review. 

    It said 163 deaths were, however,  reported in 2024, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0 per cent, lower than the 17.3 per cent recorded during same period in 2023.

    The public health agency added that 66 per cent of confirmed cases in 2024 were from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi, while 34 per cent were reported from 25 states.

    “In total for 2024, 28 states recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever across 125 local government areas,” it noted.

    Read Also: NCDC unveils integrated lab to tackle malaria, infectious diseases

    The agency listed some of the challenges in the fight against Lassa fever to include late presentation of cases leading to increase in CFR and poor health-seeking behaviour due to high cost of treatment, as well as clinical management of the disease.

    Others are poor environmental sanitation conditions observed in high-burden communities and poor awareness in communities.

    The centre, which stated that individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 were those predominantly affected in the reporting period, however, added that no health worker was infected.

    It explained that the surge highlighted the growing concern and the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures across the country.

    The public health agency urged the public to adhere to recommended safety protocols and to report any symptoms to local health authourities promptly.

    The NCDC said it was also intensifying efforts to trace contacts and implement control measures to curb the spread of the disease.

    The agency said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and work with state health authourities to ensure coordinated response.

    “The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will also continue to coordinate responses at all levels,” it added.

    (NAN) 

  • Lassa fever claims 162 lives in 2024

    Lassa fever claims 162 lives in 2024

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed that the number of confirmed Lassa fever cases has increased significantly resulting in a cumulative 162 deaths so far this year.

    The NCDC disclosed this yesterday on its official website.

    It said the country recorded 10 cases of Lassa fever  across four states between May 20 and 26.

    The NCDC said the number of confirmed Lassa fever cases rose from four in week 20 to 10 in the current reporting week 21.

    It said that in addition to the rise in confirmed cases, there was an increase in the number of suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.

    Cumulatively, it said that the country has recorded 897 confirmed cases and 162 deaths in 2024 with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.1 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.1 per cent).

    Read Also: Lassa fever: ‘1 death, 14 cases recorded in 3 states’

    According to the Centre, 28 states have confirmed at least one case across 125 local government areas (LGA) in 2024.

    It noted that 65 per cent of the confirmed cases were recorded from four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Plateau, while 35 per cent were reported from 25 states.

    Of the 65 per cent, it said that Ondo State accounted for 25 per cent, Edo, 22 per cent, and Bauchi, 18 per cent.

    The NCDC said that people between the ages of 31 and 40 were predominantly affected by the disease, stressing that no health worker was infected in the reporting week.

  • Lassa fever: ‘1 death, 14 cases recorded in 3 states’

    Lassa fever: ‘1 death, 14 cases recorded in 3 states’

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has recorded 14 new confirmed cases with one death following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states.

    Its Director-General, NCDC, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with the rodent carrier’s urine or faeces.

    The disease is endemic in Nigeria, with sporadic outbreaks occurring primarily during the dry season.

    Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

    Idris said cases were recorded in the three states between May 6 and May 12, this year, adding that people between  31 and 40, were predominantly affected by the disease.

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    He said of the 36 states,  28 have recorded at least one confirmed case spread across 125 local government areas in the year.

    “The 64 per cent of the confirmed cases were from the three states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi while 36 per cent were reported from 25 states.

    “Of the 64 per cent of these confirmed cases, Ondo accounted for 25 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent,’’ he said.

    The agency said the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System, had been activated to coordinate response at all levels of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC).

    Idris, who highlighted some challenges in the fight against Lassa Fever, added that late reporting of cases and poor health-seeking behaviour were key in the clinical management of the disease.

    “Others were poor environmental sanitation conditions, and poor awareness observed in high-burden communities,’’ he said.

    The NCDC boss noted that every individual irrespective of age is susceptible to Lassa fever, stressing the need for caution to avoid the devastating effects.

    Idris said that as the agency intensified efforts to raise awareness about Lassa fever, it was imperative for people to take proactive measures to safeguard public health.

    He urged vigilance among the citizens at all times to avoid exposing their households to the dangers of the disease.

    “The virus, transmitted through contact with rat excreta or infected individuals, poses a significant risk to public health.

    “Setting traps to eliminate rats within households is nice. This proactive step reduces the risk of exposure to infected rodents.

    “Refrain from handling rats, whether dead or alive, with bare hands. This simple precautionary measure significantly minimises the chance of infection.

    “Exercise caution when consuming food items or fruits that may have been exposed to rats or rats might have access to,” he said.

    He said by avoiding such items, individuals could mitigate the risk of ingesting contaminated food sources.

    Idris said as the battle against Lassa Fever continues, Nigeria plays a crucial role in combating the disease.

  • JUST IN: Four Lassa fever cases confirmed in Delta

    JUST IN: Four Lassa fever cases confirmed in Delta

    Delta state commissioner of health, Joseph Onojaeme said that about four cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed in the state.

    He urged residents to keep their environment clean always and ensure that rats do not breed in or around their homes.

    Onojaeme, who spoke to reporters in Asaba, on Friday, March 22, listed the affected local government areas including Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East Council areas.

    According to him, Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) have been set up across the state to monitor the situation and ensure residents are aware of what is going on.

    “In week 12, we have four confirmed cases so far recorded with a fatality rate of 50% though the general fatality rate for Lassa fever is 1 – 15% so we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we curtail the transmission from patient to health workers and from patients to relatives,” the commissioner disclosed.

    He said the government is doing a lot of advocacy, especially to health workers, and sensitisation of residents to have a high index of suspicion when they see those cases.

    He said that the State government is working closely with Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State, and has been able to achieve less than 24 hours of getting test results on Lassa fever as against what was commonly obtainable which was within the range of 72 hours.

    The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Mildred Igumbor said one case of Lassa fever is an outbreak hence all hands should be on deck to ensure the elimination of the disease.

    Read Also: 18 die from Lassa Fever in Taraba

    She explained that the State government has set up a multi-sectorial EOC comprising officials of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and Natural Resources among others where several partners and several subject matter experts sit and deliberate on how to tackle the disease and its spread.

    According to her, Lassa fever is spread through contact with the fecal matter or urine of rats on foods hence we are sensitizing residents on the need for them to ensure rats don’t get in contact with their food so that they don’t contract the disease at the first place.

    “To ensure prevention and control measures are in place in our health facilities, health workers must have a very index of suspicion. We are telling everyone that not all fever cases are malaria cases so if you are sick please go to any nearest health facility or a qualified medical personnel to seek medical attention. So if you get there and the health personnel have a high level of suspicion you will be tested and with the result received such patient will be properly managed,” she added,

    Igumbor said that the Isolation Center in Federal Medical Center Asaba, built by the State Government has the capacity for isolation and management of confirmed cases and if need be for referrals they would be transferred to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State.