The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System, IMS. This is in the bid to coordinate response efforts at all levels through the Emergency Operations Centre.
This was contained in the NCDC official website.
According to NCDC, the move became necessary because of the increased cases of Lassa fever in the country of late. The Centre recorded 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever and 152 deaths. Equating to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent.
NCDC stated that 832 cases had been confirmed across 27 States and 126 Local Government Areas from January to April 14.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness. It is primarily transmitted through contact with infected Mastomys rats’ urine or faeces. The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa.
It is also endemic in countries like Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria.
“Person-to-person transmission and laboratory infections can occur. Especially in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. With an overall case-fatality rate of one per cent and approximately 15 per cent for severe cases.
“The public health agency report for week 15 indicated an increase in new confirmed cases. With 152 deaths reported so far in 2024. Which is higher than the same period in 2023.
It pointed that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States accounted for 65 per cent of confirmed cases.
”The predominant age group is 31 to 40 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1,” the Centre was quoted as saying.
The report also highlights an increase in suspected cases compared to the previous year. It noted 32 infections among healthcare workers.
NCDC stated that prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings. Practicing good personal hygiene, and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.
source: NAN
