The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has intensified its response against the ongoing Lassa Fever outbreak as cases and fatalities continue to rise sharply across the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Dr. Jide Idris Director General of the NCDC, disclosed that Nigeria has recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed cases, and 190 deaths this year alone.
Dr. Idris expressed concern over the spike in cases, especially in the last four weeks, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-burden states such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi.
“The case fatality rate remains alarmingly high at over 13%, and we have observed a rise in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023, possibly due to enhanced surveillance,” he said.
The NCDC has implemented a range of measures to curb the outbreak and mitigate its impact on communities. According to Dr. Idris, these include:
Activation of the Emergency Operations Centre: Ensuring seamless coordination of control and management efforts using a One Health approach.
Distribution of Medical Supplies: Provision of critical infection prevention and control materials, laboratory tools, and diagnostic kits to affected states.
Expansion of Testing Facilities: Increasing Lassa fever testing laboratories from nine to 13, with plans for further upgrades.
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Risk Assessment and Surveillance: Conducting dynamic risk assessments to tailor interventions to the most affected areas.
Community Engagement: Broadcasting prevention messages on local media and conducting rodent control exercises in hotspot states like Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi.
Dr. Idris highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, noting, “Early presentation greatly increases survival rates. We urge individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting to visit health facilities immediately.”
Lassa Fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is transmitted through contact with infected rodents or contaminated materials. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through contact with body fluids of infected individuals.
To reduce the risk of infection, the NCDC has advised the public to:
Maintain clean environments and block entry points for rodents; Store food in sealed containers and avoid open drying of foodstuff; Eliminate rodents using traps and safe methods; and Practice proper hand hygiene and avoid self-medication.
Healthcare workers have been urged to adhere strictly 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 stressed: “This is a critical moment for all stakeholders to come together to combat this public health threat.
“By implementing preventive measures and strengthening surveillance, we can reduce cases and save lives.”
As Nigeria enters the peak transmission season, the NCDC remains committed to safeguarding public health through proactive measures and collaborative efforts. Individuals experiencing symptoms are encouraged to call 6232, the NCDC hotline, for immediate assistance.
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