By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Government, FG, has revealed on Monday, that there were 190 deaths since January as a result of Lassa Fever.The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja, on the updates, preparedness and response of Lassa Fever outbreak in Nigeria.

He noted that Nigeria in 2024 have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed with 190 deaths. He said only 10 Local Government Areas in Nigeria accounted for over 59% of the confirmed cases. While, six states make up 89% of the confirmed cases.He said in 2024 there is an increase of over 13% on fatality. And he lamented that there has been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last 4 weeks, signaling the outbreak’s severity. On yultide, the NCDC boss advised that during this festive period, Nigerians should be very careful what they eat at this period.”The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) continues to address the current Lassa Fever outbreak during this peak season. Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a significant public health risk across all states. The disease occurs throughout the year, with peak transmission typically recorded between October and May. Outbreaks typically occur during the dry season, when human exposure to rodents is highest. “Cumulatively this year, we have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed with 190 deaths. Six states make up 89% of the confirmed cases, namely: Ondo (29.7%), Edo (22.7%), Bauchi (17.9%), Taraba (8.8%), Benue (5.6%), and Ebonyi (4%). 10 LGAs (Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo and Idah) accounted for almost 59% of the confirmed cases. “There has been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last 4 weeks, signaling the outbreak’s severity. First, the case fatality rate has consistently remained high, over 13%. “We have noted a rise in the number of suspected cases compared to a similar timeline in 2023. This, however, could be attributed to the increased / enhanced surveillance.”Most cases continue to emerge from endemic areas, like Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba Ebonyi and Enugu, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these states”. He stressed that the major objective of NCDC is to reduce the number of cases and importantly, deaths and protect th vulnerables in the society. He said, “These trends therefore demand a coordinated effort to strengthen our response and protect our vulnerable populations.”In addressing this situation, it is important to highlight the proactive measures taken by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) so far. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to preparedness, coordination, and response at all levels.”We conducted a dynamic risk assessment to determine the appropriate emergency activation level. The risk has been categorized as High and Response Level 2 advised, and efforts to be tailored specifically to the states currently experiencing increased case burden”.”The EOC was activated to ensure seamless coordination of Lassa fever control and management activities using a One Health approach”.He said, in preparation for this outbreak season, critical medical supplies, infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools and materials have been distributed to various states, nationwide.”Lassa Fever testing laboratories have also been expanded from about 9 to 13, and more will still be upgraded “Shared mitigation activities outlined in the Lassa fever preparedness plan, including advisories with all 36 states and the FCT, focusing on the hotspot states (Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Ondo and Benue)”, he said. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat). Other rodents can also act as carriers of the virus. The virus spreads through: Direct contact with droppings from the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats.Contact with objects, household items, and surfaces contaminated with infected rats’ urine, faeces, saliva, or blood.Consuming food or water contaminated with these droppings Person-to-Person transmission can also occur through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, vomit, and other body fluids of an infected person.Lassa fever initially presents like other common illnesses accompanied by a fever, such as malaria. Other symptoms include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings. Early presentation to ensure diagnosis and treatment of the diseases can greatly increase the chances of patient survival. Early symptoms should be reported and admitted quickly for early treatment. People of all age groups who come in contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats.People living in rat-infested environments.People who consume potentially contaminated foodstuff, especially those left open overnight or dried outside in the open.People who handle or process rodents for consumption. People who do not perform hand hygiene at appropriate times. Caretakers of infected persons with poor infection prevention and control measures.Healthcare workers including:Doctors, nurses, and other health workers who provide direct patient care in the absence of standard precautions.Hospital staff who clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, materials, and supplies without adequate protective gear.Laboratory staff who handle blood samples of suspected Lassa fever patients without appropriate precautions.Persons who prepare and/or handle bodies of deceased Lassa fever cases without appropriate precautions.The NCDC therefore adviced Nigerians in order to reduce the risk of Lassa fever infection:Always keep your environment clean, especially our homes, markets, dump sites to reduce breeding grounds for ratsBlock all holes in your house to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents.Cover your dustbins and dispose of refuse or waste properly. Communities should set up dump sites far from their homes to reduce the chances of the entry of rodents into their homes.Safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc., in tightly sealed or well-covered containers. And avoid open drying of food stuff Properly process or prepare rats (bushmeat) before consumptionAvoid drying food stuff outside on the ground or roadside, where it is at risk of contamination.Discourage bush burning and Deforestation as these can destroy the homes and food sources of rodents, driving them to migrate from the bushes to human residences to find food.Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other appropriate and safe means.Practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitizers when necessary.Avoid overcrowded living areas as overcrowding leads to poor sanitationAvoid self-medication to ensure proper diagnosis and early treatment.Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms associated with Lassa fever mentioned earlier or call the State Ministry of Health hotline and 6232 (NCDC). This is essential because early identification and treatment of cases are more effective and can save lives.