Through the Emergency Operations Center, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is coordinating response operations at all levels by means of a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System.
The NCDC indicated that 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever were recorded, with 152 deaths reported, translating to 18.3% Case Fatality Rate (CFR). From January to April 14, 832 cases has been confirmed across 27 states and 126 local Government Areas. The centre announced this on its website.
There is an increase in suspected cases compared to last year including infections among health workers.
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness mostly spread through contact with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. It is prevalent in some areas of West Africa such as Mali, Togo, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Benin, Sierra Leone and Nigeria especially Ondo, Edo and Bauchi State which has 65% of confirmed cases.
Healthcare setting which lacks adequate infection prevention and control measures can lead to transmission from person to person and laboratory infection.
To prevent Lassa fever is to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, maintain good personal hygiene, take precautions when dealing with infected persons. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
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