The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that 1,154 confirmed instances and 190 deaths have been recorded thus far this yr, representing a case fatality price of over 13%.
Talking on Monday in Abuja, the NCDC Director-Normal, Dr. Jide Idris, raised considerations in regards to the “growing variety of Lassa fever instances and fatalities,” describing it as a big public well being threat.
He added that 9,492 suspected instances have been documented nationwide, with six states — Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi — accounting for 89 p.c of the confirmed infections.
Sharp rise in instances
He added that there was a pointy rise in instances over the past 4 weeks, signaling the severity of the outbreak.
“This development underscores the pressing want for focused interventions in high-burden states and communities,” he defined.
Regional affect
He famous that 10 native authorities areas, together with Owo,Etsako West, Esan West, and Kirfi, account for almost 59% of confirmed instances. Ondo State alone represents 29.7 % of instances, adopted by Edo at 22.7% and Bauchi at 17.9%.
NCDC’s response measures
In response to the outbreak, he mentioned the NCDC has activated Emergency Operations at Response Stage 2 to boost coordination and administration efforts.
“The company has distributed vital medical provides, an infection prevention supplies, and diagnostic instruments to affected states,” he acknowledged.
“Moreover, the variety of Lassa fever testing laboratories has been elevated from 9 to 13 to enhance diagnostics.
“Rodent management actions are being carried out in hotspot states, whereas heightened surveillance and public well being messaging are being carried out to mitigate the outbreak,” he added.
He highlighted that collaborative efforts with state governments, healthcare suppliers, and neighborhood leaders are vital to lowering the affect of Lassa fever.
In accordance with him, the NCDC has issued public tips to curb the unfold of the virus, which embody sustaining a clear setting, storing meals correctly, and avoiding contact with rodent-infested areas.
Significance of early detection and medical care
He suggested that early presentation at well being amenities can considerably enhance the survival price, and people experiencing signs similar to fever, headache, and common physique weak point ought to search immediate medical consideration.
He additionally talked about that healthcare employees have been urged to train warning and cling to an infection prevention protocols when dealing with suspected instances.
Heightened threat areas
Idris emphasised that individuals dwelling in rodent-infested areas, dealing with contaminated meals, or making ready bushmeat are at heightened threat.
Assuring Nigerians of the NCDC’s dedication to defending public well being, he confused the significance of proactive measures and steady collaboration with stakeholders.
He known as on residents to undertake preventive practices and report suspected instances to well being authorities instantly.
“We should work collectively to safeguard our communities. Lassa fever is preventable, and with immediate motion, we are able to scale back the variety of instances and deaths,” he mentioned.
For additional info, he suggested Nigerians to contact the NCDC by way of its toll-free quantity (6232) or observe updates by way of its social media platforms.
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