In this Special Report, Korede Abdullah examines how Nigeria arrived at the unpleasant junction or rather, corridors of the deadly Lassa Fever, with 10 confirmed cases in one week
NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) made a revelation in its latest Lassa fever situation report for week 21. According to NCDC, in its periodical report, Nigeria had recorded 10 cases, spreading across four states in one week, within 20 to 26 May.
The center noted that the number of confirmed cases surged from four in week 20 to 10 in the reporting week, adding that the number of suspected cases ballooned compared to that reported for the same period in 2023.
Confirmed Cases
If the whole figures are added cumulatively, it implies that Nigeria has recorded 897 confirmed cases and 162 deaths in 2024 with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.1 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.1 per cent).
According to NCDC, 28 states have confirmed, at least, one case across 125 local government areas (LGA) in 2024, based on the data collected.
Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Plateau
It said that 65 per cent of the confirmed cases were recorded from four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Plateau, while 35 per cent was reported from 25 states. The implication is that, the four states earlier mentioned are more predisposed and are in the red zone.
Demographical Ages
It said that people between the demographical ages of 31 and 40 are predominantly affected by the disease, adding that no health worker was infected in the reporting week.
The agency also urged members of the public to adhere to recommended safety protocols and to report any symptoms to local health authorities promptly.
Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group
“The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues coordinating the response at all levels,” it continued.
The situation report concluded that, out of the 65 per cent, Ondo State accounted for 25 per cent, Edo, 22 per cent, and Bauchi, 18 per cent.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.
WHO
According to World Health Organization, WHO, humans usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.
Endemic In Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia
The record has indicated that Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria and some other parts of West African countries as well.
Expert, Dr Ismail Adebimpe
Africa Health Report (AHR) spoke with Dr Ismail Adebimpe of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta, Lagos, the physician said that person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur in health facilities and centers.
In Adebimpe’s words, “The contact may occur particularly, in health care settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures.”
Medical experts agree that diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. They said that overall case-fatality rate has put at 1%. Also among patients who are hospitalized with severe clinical presentation of Lassa fever, case-fatality is estimated to be around 15%. The expert say supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.
It has been revealed that about 80% of people who become infected with Lassa virus don’t necessarily have symptoms of the virus. Also 1 in 5 infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several organs such as the liver, spleen and kidneys.
Preventing the Spread of the Disease
To prevent the spread of the disease in Lagos Lagos State Government said the state has been proactive in curtailing the spread of the disease since last year when a 15-day-old baby has tested positive for Lassa Fever in the state following a confirmation. The state said it ensured the treatment of the baby’s mother at the state-owned Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba
The Lagos commissioner for Education alleyed the fears of the residents the that towards achieving proper management of Lassa fever cases, NCDC has designated some zonal centres and that the one in the South-west is located in Owo, Ondo State.
Dr Adebimpe urged members of the public to avoid contact with rodents, especially in areas where Lassa fever is common as well as avoid infectedpersons.
“Keep living spaces clean and sanitary, with food in closed containers to discourage attracting rats and other pests is also necessary.” He stressed.
