The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public health warning about the impending peak season of Lassa fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), raising concerns about possible outbreaks across the country.
The Director General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, gave this warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Idris said the peak season, which typically occurs between December and June, poses significant health risks, particularly in regions with poor sanitation conditions, inadequate health infrastructure and vulnerable populations.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is a serious and highly contagious viral disease characterized by hemorrhagic symptoms, mainly caused by the Lassa virus.
This virus is naturally hosted by the multimammary rat, commonly known as the African rat, which serves as its primary reservoir. Additionally, other species of rodents can also harbor and transmit the virus.
The Director-General said that this year Nigeria has recorded more cases of Lassa fever compared to previous years.
He said: “In 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed cases in 27 states and 112 LGAs. In 2023, 28 states and 114 LGAs reported 9,155 suspected cases; 1,270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths. As of October 13, 2024, 8,569 suspected cases, 1,035 confirmed cases and 174 deaths have been reported across 28 states and 129 LGAs.”
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Meningitis
Speaking about cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), the DG said that it is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the brain and the protective layers of the spinal cord, adding that this inflammation can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungus. such as injuries and certain medications.
According to him, CSM cases are reported in Nigeria throughout the year, but the risk of infection increases during the dry season. Factors such as dust, strong winds, cold nights and increased upper respiratory tract infections, combined with overcrowding and poor ventilation, contribute to the increased risk of transmission.
He pointed out that the northern part of the country is the most affected.
He said: “The highest burden of CSM in Nigeria occurs in the “Meningitis Belt” which includes the 19 states of the northern region, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti. , Ogun, Ondo and Osun.
“In 2023/2024, Nigeria recorded 4,915 suspected and 380 confirmed cases with 361 deaths in 174 local government areas (LGAs) in 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. A total of 2,281,750 doses of Men5CV-ACWYX were provided in Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe, in 134 districts of the 13 LGAs. The campaign targeted people between 1 and 29 years old, who represent 70 percent of the population.”
Call to action
The Director-General recommended that people protect themselves and their communities from Lassa fever by maintaining a clean environment, adding that all holes in the house should be blocked to prevent the entry of rodents.
He added that communities should establish dumping sites away from homes to reduce rodent infestation, and stated that foodstuffs such as rice, garri, beans and corn should be stored in airtight containers.
Similarly, he said healthcare workers play a critical role in the prevention and control of Lassa fever, and urged them to always practice standard infection prevention and control measures, including the use of gloves and equipment. of personal protection.
He said maintaining a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever in patients with febrile illness and reporting suspected cases to local disease surveillance and notification officials is key to taking immediate action.
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Caution
Regarding precautionary measures against CSM, Idris said people should receive the necessary meningitis vaccine, especially young children, people living in overcrowded households, smokers and people exposed to poor ventilation and indoor air pollution.
He added that it is also important to maintain good hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers. He added that it is necessary to avoid overcrowding in homes, schools, dormitories and community settings to reduce the risk of transmission.
Likewise, he pointed out that health professionals are vital in controlling CSM outbreaks.
He also urged them to wear gloves and other personal protective equipment when handling patients or providing care and to report suspected cases to local disease surveillance officials.