Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has stated that the nation reported 1,154 confirmed instances of Lassa fever and 190 deaths in 2024, with six states accounting for 89 per cent of the instances.
Director-Common of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, listed the six states as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi, including that native authorities areas equivalent to Owo, Etsako West, and Jalingo have been significantly affected, contributing to just about 59 per cent of instances.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic sickness transmitted primarily by way of rodents, stays endemic in Nigeria, with peak transmission sometimes occurring from October to Could.
Detailing the outbreak’s severity and the company’s ongoing response measures, the DG famous that the case fatality price for Lassa fever has exceeded 13 per cent. In comparison with the identical interval in 2023, there was an increase in suspected instances, attributed to enhanced surveillance and reporting, he stated.
In response to the outbreak, Dr Idirs stated that the NCDC had activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Response Stage 2, guaranteeing coordinated efforts utilizing a One Well being method.
He stated the important thing measures included distribution of medical provides, an infection prevention supplies, and diagnostic instruments throughout the nation.
Enlargement of Lassa fever testing laboratories, conducting rodent management campaigns in high-burden state, intensifying public well being messaging on prevention and early reporting, collaboration with state well being commissioners and worldwide companions.
“The NCDC stays dedicated to safeguarding public well being by way of proactive measures and focused interventions,” Dr. Idris said.
The DG urged the general public to undertake preventive measures, together with sustaining clear environments, safely storing meals, and avoiding contact with rodents. Early signs equivalent to fever, headache, and vomiting ought to immediate rapid medical consideration to enhance survival charges, he added.
He additionally urged healthcare staff to follow strict an infection prevention protocols, together with the usage of private protecting gear and immediate reporting of suspected instances to native authorities.
Dr. Idris emphasised that decreasing the Lassa fever burden requires collective motion from people, healthcare suppliers, and authorities stakeholders. Public schooling campaigns and community-level interventions stay crucial in curbing the illness’s unfold.
