The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management (NCDC) has issued a public well being advisory warning of the approaching peak season for Lassa fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), sparking considerations over potential outbreaks throughout the nation.
The Director Common of NCDC, Jide Idris, issued this warning throughout a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr Idris said that the height season, which usually happens between December and June, poses important well being dangers, significantly in areas with poor sanitation, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and weak populations.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is a extreme and extremely contagious viral illness characterised by hemorrhagic signs, primarily attributable to the Lassa virus.
This virus is of course hosted by the multimammate rat, generally known as the African rat, which serves as its major reservoir. Moreover, different rodent species may also harbour and transmit the virus.
The DG mentioned this 12 months, Nigeria has recorded extra instances of Lassa fever when in comparison with earlier years.
He mentioned: “In 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed instances throughout 27 states and 112 LGAs. In 2023, 28 states and 114 LGAs reported 9,155 suspected instances; 1,270 confirmed instances, and 227 deaths. As of 13 October, 2024, 8,569 suspected instances, 1,035 confirmed instances, and 174 deaths have been reported throughout 28 states and 129 LGAs.”
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Meningitis
Talking on Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), the DG mentioned it’s a severe an infection that causes irritation of the mind and spinal wire’s protecting layers including that this irritation could be triggered by numerous pathogens, together with micro organism, viruses, parasites, and fungi, in addition to accidents and sure medicines.
In line with him, in Nigeria, CSM instances are reported all year long, however the threat of an infection surges throughout the dry season. Components reminiscent of mud, robust winds, chilly nights, and elevated higher respiratory tract infections, mixed with overcrowding and poor air flow, contribute to the heightened threat of transmission.
He famous that the northern a part of the nation is generally affected.
He mentioned: “The best burden of CSM in Nigeria happens within the “Meningitis Belt” which incorporates all 19 states within the Northern area, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a few southern states reminiscent of Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.
“In 2023/2024, Nigeria recorded 4,915 suspected and 380 confirmed instances with 361 deaths throughout 174 Native Authorities Areas (LGAs) in 24 states together with the Federal Capital Territory. A complete of two,281,750 doses of Men5CV- ACWYX had been offered in Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe protecting 134 wards within the 13 LGAs. The marketing campaign focused people aged one -29 years, comprising 70 per cent of the inhabitants.”
Name to motion
The DG suggested that individuals defend themselves and their communities from Lassa fever by sustaining a clear atmosphere, including that every one holes in the home needs to be blocked to forestall rodents from coming into.
He added that communities ought to set up dumping websites removed from houses to cut back rodent infestation, stating that meals gadgets like rice, garri, beans, and corn needs to be saved in hermetic containers.
Equally, he mentioned healthcare employees play a crucial function in stopping and managing Lassa fever, and urged them to all the time follow normal an infection prevention and management measures, together with utilizing gloves and private protecting tools.
He mentioned sustaining a excessive index of suspicion for Lassa fever in sufferers with febrile sickness and reporting suspected instances to native illness surveillance and notification officers is essential for immediate actions.
READ ALSO: Nigeria information seven new Lassa fever infections
Precaution
Concerning precautionary measures in opposition to CSM, Mr Idris mentioned folks ought to obtain the required meningitis vaccination, particularly for younger kids, people residing in overcrowded households, people who smoke, and people uncovered to poor air flow and indoor air air pollution.
He added that sustaining good hygiene by steadily washing fingers with cleaning soap and water or utilizing hand sanitisers can be necessary. He added that avoiding overcrowding in households, faculties, dormitories, and communal settings is required to cut back the chance of transmission.
Likewise, he famous that healthcare professionals are very important in controlling CSM outbreaks.
He additionally urged them to put on gloves and different private protecting tools when dealing with sufferers or offering care and report suspected instances to native illness surveillance officers.
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