Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Lassa fever: NCDC steps up response as deaths rise to 190

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The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that it has stepped up its response to the current Lassa fever outbreak, with Nigeria recording 190 deaths out of 1,154 confirmed cases in 2024.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, while briefing the media on Monday on the Lassa fever update, preparedness and response measures of the agency, revealed that Nigeria has recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 cases confirmed and 190 deaths this year alone.

He further expressed concern over the rise in cases, particularly in the last four weeks, and called for urgent interventions targeting high burden states including Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue and Ebonyi.

He said: “The case fatality rate remains alarmingly high, over 13%, and we have seen an increase in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023, possibly due to increased surveillance.”

Dr Idris also highlighted the measures implemented by the NCDC to curb the outbreak and mitigate its impact on communities.

He explained that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to ensure seamless coordination of control and management efforts using a One Health approach.

Critical infection prevention and control materials, laboratory tools and diagnostic kits have been distributed to affected states.

The number of Lassa fever testing laboratories has increased from nine to 13, and there are plans for future improvements.

Dynamic risk assessments are being carried out to tailor interventions to the most affected areas, while prevention messages are disseminated in local media and rodent control exercises are carried out in critical states such as Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi.

The Director-General highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, noting that early presentation greatly increases survival rates. He urged people experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain and vomiting to visit health centers immediately.

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“Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic disease, is transmitted by contact with infected rodents or contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with bodily fluids of infected people,” he explained.

To reduce the risk of infection, the NCDC advised the public to maintain clean environments, block rodent entry points, store food in sealed containers, avoid drying food in the open, remove rodents using safe traps and methods, practice good food hygiene. proper hands and avoid self-medication.

Health workers were also urged to strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols and promptly report suspected cases to local authorities.

The NCDC is working closely with state governments, international partners and local communities to address the outbreak.

Dr. Idris emphasized that this is a critical time for all stakeholders to come together to combat the public health threat. By implementing preventive measures and strengthening surveillance, cases can be reduced and lives saved.

As Nigeria enters the peak transmission season, NCDC remains committed to safeguarding public health through proactive measures and collaborative efforts. People experiencing symptoms are advised to call the NCDC hotline at 6232 for immediate assistance.

Healthcare providers were reminded to report all suspected cases of Lassa fever to their local government disease surveillance and notification officials to ensure prompt diagnosis, referral, and early initiation of public health actions.

“The NCDC remains committed to protecting public health through proactive measures, coordinated responses and collaboration with stakeholders. By implementing these strategies and complying with public health advisories, we can reduce the impact of Lassa fever and safeguard communities across the country,” he concluded.

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