The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a complete public advisory on Lassa fever, warning that it remained a big public well being menace.
Dr Jide Idris, NCDC’s Director Common, revealed the regarding development to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, urging Nigerians to undertake preventive measures as instances proceed to rise through the peak transmission season.
Idris defined that Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic fever brought on by the Lassa virus, is endemic in Nigeria and is transmitted by contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of contaminated rodents, notably the multimammate rat.
“It may well additionally unfold by person-to-person contact with contaminated bodily fluids.”
He emphasised the significance of early detection, noting that the illness initially introduced signs just like malaria, together with fever, headache, weak spot, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
“In extreme instances, bleeding from physique openings could happen, however early analysis and therapy can considerably enhance survival charges.
“The advisory highlighted the teams most in danger, together with people residing in rodent-infested areas, these consuming contaminated meals, healthcare staff offering care with out correct protecting gear, and laboratory workers dealing with blood samples with out precautions.”
Idris outlined key preventive measures to curb the unfold of the illness, together with preserving properties and environment clear to remove rodent breeding grounds, sealing holes and cracks to forestall rodent entry, and storing meals in tightly sealed containers.
He additionally emphasised the significance of avoiding open drying of meals gadgets and in search of medical consideration for early signs as an alternative of resorting to self-medication.
He additionally inspired common hand hygiene, correct sanitation, and discouraging bush burning and deforestation, which drive rodents into human habitats.
Idris urged healthcare staff to keep up excessive vigilance, adhere to an infection prevention protocols, and promptly report suspected instances to make sure swift public well being responses.
He additional inspired the general public to name the NCDC toll-free line (6232) for help or report instances to the State Ministry of Well being.
“The NCDC stays dedicated to lowering the impression of Lassa fever by coordinated efforts, public consciousness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration.”
