Lassa fever resurfaces in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi

NCDC director-general Jide Idris disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

News Agency of Nigeria • May 28, 2024

NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says it recorded 14 new confirmed cases with one death following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi.

NCDC director-general Jide Idris disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Idris said that cases were recorded in the three states between May 6 and May 12 this year, adding that people between the ages of 31 and 40 were predominantly affected by the disease.

The NCDC boss said in 2024, 28 states out of 36 recorded at least one confirmed case spread across 125 local government areas.

“64 per cent of all the confirmed cases were from the three states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 36 per cent were reported from 25 states. Of the 64 per cent of these confirmed cases, Ondo accounted for 25 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent,’’ he said.

The agency said that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System had been activated to coordinate response at all Emergency Operation Centre levels.

Mr Idris highlighted some challenges in the fight against Lassa fever. He added that late reporting of cases and poor health-seeking behaviour were key in the clinical management of the disease.

The NCDC boss noted that every individual, irrespective of age, is susceptible to Lassa fever, stressing the need for caution to avoid the devastating effects.

“The virus, transmitted through contact with rat excreta or infected individuals, poses a significant risk to public health. Setting traps to eliminate rats within households is nice. This proactive step reduces the risk of exposure to infected rodents.

“Refrain from handling rats, whether dead or alive, with bare hands. This simple precautionary measure significantly minimises the chance of infection. Exercise caution when consuming food items or fruits that may have been exposed to rats or that rats might have access to,” he said.

Mr Idris said by avoiding such items, individuals could mitigate the risk of ingesting contaminated food sources.

(NAN)

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