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Tag: Lassa fever

  • Kogi partners FUHSO on Lassa fever research

    Kogi partners FUHSO on Lassa fever research

    The Centre of Excellence for Infectious Disease Research and Management (CEDRAM), Institute of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, (FUHSO) Benue state has commenced the implementation of the TETFUND sponsored research on ‘‘The incidence, Zero prevalence, risk factors and transmission of lassa fever virus in North-Central Nigeria’’

    This Tetfund mega grant is to cover the six sates of North Central Nigeria and the FCT. A key component of the research is the entry process to obtain the ‘social the social license’ to operate.

    The Principal Investigator of the research, Prof Steve Abah and key team members visited Kogi state to meet key stakeholders and gate keepers.

    On hand to receive the team at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, was the Chief Medical director, Dr Olatunde Alabi.

    The CMD pledged full support for the research.

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    The study according to Prof Abah composes of both the clinical and population arms. The teaching hospital was selected as the site for the clinical studies.

    The team was received by Commissioner of Health, Dr. Zakari Usman, on behalf of the Kogi state Government.

    Abah informed Usman that they were in the state to do introduce the study to key stakeholders within selected communities, raise community awareness on the health and economic impact of Lassa fever viral disease and share information on Lassa fever disease prevention and management.

    He added they would build capacity of study partners and community participants of this study.

    Usman expressed gratitude to the management of FUHSO for selecting Kogi as a site for the research.

    The Commissioner pledges the full support of the Kogi state Government for the research project.

  • Adamawa confirms Lassa fever outbreak

    Adamawa confirms Lassa fever outbreak

    The Adamawa State Government has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak.

    The government, in a statement by The Nation on Saturday morning, indicated a youth corps member from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Damare, near the state capital, Yola, as the index case.

    The government, in the statement from the Ministry of Health & Human Services, did not name the affected NYSC member but indicated that the member in view is a female. 

    According to the statement, the corps member, after being suspected of exhibiting symptoms of Lassa fever, was taken to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital Yola which itself took her sample to the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, which confirmed the ailment as Lassa fever.

    Read Also: Kaduna confirms five deaths from Lassa Fever

    The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health & Human Services, Zira Bubanani, warned the public to adopt personal hygiene habits as precautionary measures, even as it assured that it is working hard to stem the spread of the disease.

    “While contact tracing/isolations are going on, the general public are hereby as well advised to take necessary precautions by adhering to ensure good hygiene and sanitation habits, avoid unnecessary contacts, proper storage of left over foods and food items in order to prevent rats infestation,” the statement reads.

    It advised members of the public to report the case of anyone manifesting symptoms similar to those of Lassa fever to health officers in their community.

  • Lassa fever kills four at Army hospital in Kaduna

    Lassa fever kills four at Army hospital in Kaduna

    Four persons have died in an outbreak of acute Viral Hemorrhagic disease, popularly called Lassa fever, at the Accident and Emergency unit of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (NARHK) in Kaduna.

    The casualties comprise two medical doctors and a nurse serving in the hospital, as well as an index case.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Nigeria Army headquarters said the authorities were addressing the situation through medical approaches.

    It urged members of the public not to panic over the situation.

    The Nation was gathered that some medical personnel at the hospital may have been affected, but it was not clear last night how many people were affected.

    It was learnt that many people have been quarantined to prevent a spread of the outbreak.

    Also, in a statement by its Director Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army said: “In line with best practice in managing such a situation, contact tracing to what is believed to be the index case has been made to a non-military patient who was referred to 44 NARHK from a peripheral medical facility. The suspected index patient was managed but subsequently died two weeks ago in the hospital.

    “Sadly, three medical personnel of the hospital that had direct contact with the suspected index case have also died within the past 48 hours.

    “In response to the suspected outbreak, directives have been passed that Infection Prevention Control (IPC) measures in and around all military health care facilities in Kaduna be stepped up as part of measures to curtail further spread and loss of lives.

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    “In this wise, all medical personnel of the hospital, their family members and other patients on the contact tracing list have commenced appropriate management and, so far, nothing of concern has been observed. 

    “Furthermore, the entire hospital facility has been disinfected, while immediate closure and evacuation of the Accident and Emergency ward of the 44 NARHK has been ordered to allow for thorough fumigation, decontamination and emplacement of other measures of IPC…

    “As of the time of this statement, samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis. Similarly, the Kaduna State epidemiologists have been invited to help in unraveling the unfolding development.”

  • Lassa fever: 10 killed in fresh outbreak in Ebonyi

    Lassa fever: 10 killed in fresh outbreak in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed 10 persons dead while 15 others have been infected following an outbreak of Lassa fever in seven local government areas of the State.

    Confirming the incident, the Disease Surveillance Notification Officer, State Ministry of Health, Mr. Orogwu Sampson, said that the cases occurred between January 4 and February 16, 2024.

    He noted that within one month, “25 people were infected including two healthcare workers with 10 deaths.”

     Orogwu said that last year, the state recorded 53 cases while 36 people lost their lives, adding that the disease cuts across all ages.

    He maintained that out of the 25 confirmed cases,16 people were men while nine people were women.

     “Those who died include a pregnant woman, two children, men and women.

     “The Local Government Areas affected include Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu, and Abakaliki with Hausa Quarters and Nkaliki residential areas recording the highest number of cases.

    “Other LGAs that have not recorded any case so far may be because they have not reported not that it doesn’t exist there,” he explained.

    He said that the treatment is free and urged people to go for early detection, early presentation, and treatment to avoid further loss of lives.

    Read Also: 10 die in fresh Lassa Fever outbreak in Ebonyi

     The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Ogbonna Nwambeke, said that the State Government was partnering with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Breakthrough Action Nigeria, and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), among others, to mitigate the menace.

    He called for the provision of logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against the risk factors.

    Nwambeke advised people to stop bush burning, avoid eating rats and touching the surfaces an infected person has touched as well as maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene like covering their food and utensils properly.

    He appreciated the State Government for giving them a large volume of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to give to health workers at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre to ensure that their health workers are alive to save others.

     He noted that Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic illness that occurs every dry season in Ebonyi State and expressed regret that the outbreak started so early this year.

  • 10 die in fresh Lassa Fever outbreak in Ebonyi

    10 die in fresh Lassa Fever outbreak in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed 10 persons dead and 15 others infected following an outbreak of Lassa Fever in seven local government areas.

    Confirming the incident, the Disease Surveillance Notification Officer, State Ministry of Health, Mr. Orogwu Sampson, said the cases occurred between January 4 and February 16, 2024.

    He noted that within the one-month period, “25 people were infected including 2 healthcare workers with 10 deaths.”

    Orogwu said that last year, the State recorded 53 cases while 36 died, adding that the disease cuts across all ages.

    He maintained that out of the 25 confirmed cases,16 people were men while nine people were women.

    “Those who died include a pregnant woman, two children, men and women.

    Read Also: FCTA allays fears over Lassa fever outbreak in Abuja

    “The Local Government Areas affected include Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu and Abakaliki with Hausa quarters and Nkaliki residential areas recording the highest number of cases.

    “Other LGAs that have not recorded any case so far may be because they have not reported not that it doesn’t exist there,” he explained.

    He said that the treatment is free and urged people to go for early detection, early presentation and treatment to avoid further loss of lives.

    The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Ogbonna Nwambeke, said that the State Government was partnering with World Health Organisation (WHO), Breakthrough Action Nigeria, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), among others, to mitigate the menace.

    He called for provision of logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against the risk factors.

  • FCTA allays fears over Lassa fever outbreak in Abuja

    FCTA allays fears over Lassa fever outbreak in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allayed fears over the outbreak of Lassa fever in the territory.

    As of last night, four suspected cases with two confirmed cases had been reported.

    FCTA’s Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, announced the cases while addressing reporters in Abuja.

    The mandate secretary urged the residents not to panic over the outbreak of the fever.

    She said proactive measures had been put in place to address the issue.

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    According to her, a Lassa fever emergency operation centre was activated at 3.30 p.m yesterday to prevent further spread of the disease.

    Dr. Fasawe also said no Lassa fever-related death had been recorded in the FCT, stressing that the secretariat’s proactive measures led to the early detection of cases, which prompted a swift response to address the confirmed cases.

    The mandate secretary said the two confirmed cases were responding to treatment and cautioned the residents and caregivers on the need to remain vigilant.

    She stressed the need for reporting suspected cases to health facilities with trained personnel, urging the residents to avoid self-medication or seeking assistance from unlicensed health facilities.

  • Worries over resurgence of Lassa Fever as FCT records two cases

    Worries over resurgence of Lassa Fever as FCT records two cases

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has raised alarm again over resurgence of Lassa Fever, with two confirmed cases recorded in Abuja.

    FCTA’s Secretary, Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe. Disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, January 22, while briefing reporters on the latest development.  

    Fasawe stated that already two cases were established, but no mortality, after an alert of Lassa Fever her Secretariat received from a clinician in Bwari General Hospital. 

    She said investigations that were immediately initiated, revealed the cases, children of 14 months and 13 years old respectively, who had contacts of their mother in Bauchi and became at high risk.

    According to her, after their mother died of Lassa Fever in Bauchi, their father brought them back to Abuja, where the 14 months tested positive, while the 13 years old was negative. 

    Read Also: Lassa fever: NCDC activates response efforts against rising cases

    It was also revealed that the second positive case was reported by clinicians at the Abuja University Teaching Hospital, and is currently receiving care. 

    She further warned residents to desist from exposing their foods to the reach of rats, and to also cultivate the habit of reporting strange symptoms to the nearest health centers.  

    “On the 15th of January, 2024, the FCT Public Health Department received an alert of Lassa Fever from a Clinician in Bwari General hospital. A rapid response team was mobilized to investigate the cases. 

    “Investigation revealed that they were High risk contacts of their mother. Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation. 

    “The mother was a confirmed case, diagnosed at the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Following her demise, the father travelled on the 9th of January, 2024 to Bauchi to bring back the children who had accompanied their mother to Bauchi and returned to the FCT on the 12th of January, 2024.

    “The PHD investigated them and daily monitored them for symptoms.  The results came back positive for the 14 months old and negative for the 13-year-old”. 

  • Lassa Fever outbreak in Abuja: No cause for alarm, says Health Secretary, Fasawe

    Lassa Fever outbreak in Abuja: No cause for alarm, says Health Secretary, Fasawe

    Amidst the emergence of Lassa Fever in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with four suspected cases and two confirmed cases, Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, has urged residents to remain calm. 

    Fasawe assures proactive measures have been taken, including the activation of the Lassa Fever emergency operation center on Monday at 3:30 pm to contain any potential widespread outbreak.

    She also disclosed that no Lassa fever-related death has been recorded in the capital territory.

    Lassa Fever is one of the viral hemorrhagic diseases and is caused by the Lassa virus. 

    The Mastomys, Natalensis, a multi-mammate rat is the reservoir of the virus that transmits the virus when they contaminate food & water.  

    The virus is also transmitted through contact with body fluids of infected persons like blood, vomitus and feces

    Fasawe stated that the secretariat’s proactive measures led to the early detection of cases, facilitating a swift response to address the confirmed cases.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, January 12, the Mandate Secretary said the two confirmed cases are responding to treatment.

    While cautioning the residents and caregivers in all health facilities on the need to remain vigilant, Fasawe emphasised the utmost importance of reporting suspected cases to health facilities staffed with trained personnel, discouraging self-medication or seeking assistance from unlicensed health facilities.

    She further warned that the drugs for the disease are exclusively available in designated health facilities and not on shelves while adding that investigation and treatment for the disease are provided free of charge at specified centers at the National Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

    Read Also: Lassa fever: Cross River govt begins contact tracing, line listing

    According to her, as of 22nd January 2024, Nigeria has recorded cumulatively 486 suspected cases, confirmed 134 Cases with 21 deaths giving a case fatality rate of 15.7 %, which was an improvement in the containment compared to when the first case was confirmed in the country in 1969.

    She however noted that Nigeria is fast becoming an endemic with identified hot spot States Edo, Ondo and Delta. 

    “Annually, the FCT experiences sporadic infections between November and April so we are right in the middle of an outbreak”, she noted.

    Giving a background to the first case, Fasawe said on the 15th of January, 2024, the FCT Public Health department received an alert of Lassa Fever from a clinician in Bwari General Hospital 

    She said: “A Rapid Response Team was mobilized to investigate the cases. Investigation revealed they were high-risk contacts of their mother. Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation.  

    “The deceased was a confirmed case, diagnosed at the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. 

    “Following her demise, the father traveled on the 9th of January 2024 to Bauchi to bring back the 2 children who had accompanied their mother to Bauchi and returned to the FCT on the 12th of January, 2024. 

    “He later presented the children to the BGH on the 15th.  

    “The facility notified the Public Health Department and Public Health response commenced. 

    “The Public Health Department investigated due to the high index of suspicion and daily monitored them for symptoms. 

    “The result came back positive for the 14-month-old and negative for the 13-year-old.

    “The 14-month-old is currently on treatment and the 13-year-old is currently on prophylaxis (prevention).

    “The second unrelated case was reported by clinicians at the Abuja University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

    “The case is also positive and the child is receiving care.There hasn’t been any mortality and the two cases are responding to treatment”.

    She said that there was no cause for alarm over the issue, Fasawe explained that a number of public health actions have already been taken.

    According to her, both confirmed cases have been linked to care while commodities have been pre-positioned as requested by the facility.

    She also disclosed that the 20 and 17 people that have been confirmed to have had contacts with the first and second cases respectively have been listed and are being followed up for 21 days.

    Equally critical, she disclosed that the FCT activated a SUB National level multisectoral Emergency Operations Center based on the risk assessment by subject matter experts, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders. 

    “The purpose of activating the EOC is to achieve a coordinated sub-national response and interrupt the transmission as soon as possible.

    “There is no need for alarm but basic precautions. 

    “Do not expose food to the possibility of rat droplets. Report all suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

    “Clinicians in both public and private health facilities should have a high index of suspicion”, the Mandate Secretary added.

    She urged the residents to contact the Designated Incident Manager for the Lassa Fever PHEOC, the Director of the Public Health Department, Dr. Doris John on 08033156560 and the Deputy Incident Manager, Dr. Lukman Lawal on 09084000085 on suspicion of Lassa fever around them.

  • Lassa fever: Cross River govt begins contact tracing, line listing

    Lassa fever: Cross River govt begins contact tracing, line listing

    Cross River State Government yesterday announced outbreak of Lassa fever at Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra Local Government.

    This is contained in a notification by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, in Calabar.

    He said the state government had begun contact tracing and line listing.

    “This is to notify the public of the Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra Local Government.

    “Investigation has been concluded and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, got from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State—confirmed he died of Lassa fever,” he said.

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    He said the state government had activated the Community Rescue Service Emergency Operation Centre. The state Rapid Response Team will be going to Obubra to join the local government team to ensure contact tracing and line listing.

    “The team will carry out decontamination of affected premises, awareness creation and risk communication.

    “We are also mobilising Lassa fever commodities, consumables and personal protective equipment to the General Hospital, Obubra and other locations,” he said.

    World Health Organisation (WHO) says Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus.

    The UN says it is primarily transmitted to humans either through direct contact with infected Mastomys rodents, or through food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rodents.

    WHO says human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids.

  • 50 health workers infected with Lassa fever

    50 health workers infected with Lassa fever

    • Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi lead death rate

    Fifty health workers have been infected with Lassa fever according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) situation report for Week 41 (October 9 -15).

    The country has also recorded 188 deaths and 1,095 confirmed cases of the 7,724 suspected cases across 28 states.

    The current death toll puts the case-fatality ratio at 17.2 per cent, which is lower compared to the 18.9 per cent recorded in 2022 for the same 41-week period.

    The number of suspected cases however increased when compared to that reported for the same period in 2022.

    The agency, however, said it is conducting intensive response activities through a one-health approach in the affected areas.

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    The report reads: “Cumulatively from week 1 to week 41, 2023, 188 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate of 17.2 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (18.9 per cent).

    “In total for 2023, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 113 local government areas. 75 of all confirmed cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states.

    “Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent. The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, median Age-32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9.”