The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has raised concerns over what it described as increasing number of Lassa fever cases and fatalities.
The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, made this disclosure on Monday in Abuja, saying that 1,154 confirmed cases and 190 deaths were recorded so far this year, representing a case fatality rate of over 13 per cent.
Idris said 9,492 suspected cases have been documented across the country, with six states such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi accounting for 89 per cent of confirmed infections.
He further stated that the last four weeks saw a sharp rise in cases, signalling the severity of the outbreak.
He noted that the trend underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-burden states and communities.
The NCDC also explained that 10 local government areas, including Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, and Kirfi, account for nearly 59 per cent of confirmed cases, Ondo State alone represents 29.7 per cent of cases, followed by Edo at 22.7 per cent and Bauchi at 17.9 per cent.
In response to the outbreak, he said that the NCDC has activated Emergency Operations at Response Level 2 to enhance coordination and management efforts.
“The agency has distributed critical medical supplies, infection prevention materials and diagnostic tools to affected states.
“Additionally, the number of Lassa fever testing laboratories has been increased from nine to 13 to improve diagnostics.
“Rodent control activities are being carried out in hotspot states, while heightened surveillance and public health messaging are being implemented to mitigate the outbreak,” he said.
He highlighted that collaborative efforts with state governments, healthcare providers and community leaders, saying they are critical to reducing the impact of Lassa fever.
According to him, the NCDC has issued public guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.
Idris advised that early presentation at health facilities can significantly improve survival rate, while individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache and general body weakness should seek prompt medical attention.
He said healthcare workers have been urged to exercise caution and adhere to infection prevention protocols when handling suspected cases.
In the same vein, he emphasised that people living in rodent-infested areas, handling contaminated food, or preparing bushmeat are at heightened risk.
Idris assured Nigerians of NCDC’s commitment to protecting public health through proactive measures and continuous collaboration with stakeholders.
He called on citizens to adopt preventive practices and report suspected cases to health authorities immediately.
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