The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has taken proactive steps in response to the escalating cases of Lassa fever across the country.
In an official announcement on its website, the NCDC revealed the activation of a comprehensive Incident Management System, involving various partners and sectors, to coordinate response efforts through an Emergency Operations Centre.
The urgency of this measure stems from the alarming statistics: a total of 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever have been reported, resulting in 152 fatalities, indicating a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3%. Of these cases, 832 have been confirmed across 27 states and 126 Local Government Areas from January to April 14.
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is a severe viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Endemic in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, this disease poses a significant public health challenge.
Person-to-person transmission, especially in healthcare settings with inadequate infection prevention and control measures, further exacerbates the situation.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are pivotal, as the overall case-fatality rate stands at one per cent, with severe cases witnessing a 15% fatality rate. Week 15’s public health agency report noted a surge in new confirmed cases, with 152 deaths recorded so far in 2024, surpassing the same period in 2023.
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The states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi have accounted for a substantial 65% of confirmed cases, with the most affected age group being 31 to 40 years old, maintaining a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.
Notably, there has been an increase in suspected cases compared to the previous year, with 32 infections reported among healthcare workers.
Preventing Lassa fever necessitates avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta, practicing stringent personal hygiene measures, and exercising caution when caring for infected individuals.
These preventive actions are crucial in curbing the spread of the disease.
