The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever instances throughout 11 states throughout Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).
The NCDC disclosed this data on its official web site, noting that the case fatality fee (CFR) had risen to 19.4 %, up from 17.5 % in the identical interval in 2024.
The most recent Lassa Fever State of affairs Report revealed that 73 % of confirmed instances got here from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo main at 34 %, adopted by Edo at 21 % and Bauchi at 18 %.
It stated 63 native authorities areas in these 11 states had recorded confirmed instances.
“Regardless of a drop in new instances from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the company stays involved in regards to the excessive fatality fee.
“The affected age group is primarily 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio 1:0.8.
The NCDC stated whereas no new healthcare employee infections had been reported this week, delayed case shows had contributed to the rising fatality fee.
The NCDC pointed to vital challenges in poor health-seeking behaviour, excessive therapy prices, and restricted consciousness in high-burden communities.
The NCDC activated the Nationwide Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Administration System (IMS) to handle the outbreak and coordinate efforts.
“The important thing interventions embody deployment of Nationwide Speedy Response Groups (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.
“The interventions additionally contain coaching healthcare employees in Lassa fever case administration in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and phone tracing in affected states.
“Moreover, there might be distribution of response commodities reminiscent of private protecting tools (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and physique luggage, together with group sensitisation and threat communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”
The NCDC additionally collaborated with the World Well being Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Worldwide Analysis Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to enhance analysis, therapy, and outbreak response.
The company urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, together with sustaining correct hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and looking for medical consideration early if signs like fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding happen.
“Because the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is intensifying case administration coaching, speedy response coordination, and an infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s unfold.
“A nationwide rodent management and group consciousness marketing campaign is being deliberate in collaboration with Breakthrough Motion Nigeria (BA-N) and different stakeholders.
“For real-time updates and security pointers, the NCDC advises Nigerians to go to www.ncdc.gov.ng or name the toll-free line: 6232.”
The NCDC additional urged Nigerians to cut back their threat of an infection by following these measures: retailer meals correctly in sealed containers to stop rat contamination.
“Maintain houses clear and remove rodent hiding locations. Apply good hand hygiene by washing palms repeatedly with cleaning soap and water.
“Keep away from bush burning, which drives rats into houses, rising the danger of an infection.
“Search medical assist early if experiencing fever, weak point, or bleeding, and go to a well being facility instantly.”
The NCDC acknowledged that Lassa fever is preventable and inspired Nigerians to remain knowledgeable and take motion to guard themselves and their family members. (NAN)
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