NCDC Takes Action: Emergency Operations Centre Activated for Lassa Fever Response

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts at all levels through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

The NCDC made this crucial decision after recording 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 152 deaths and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent from January to April 14, 2024.

The NCDC reported that 832 cases had been confirmed across 27 states and 126 Local Government Areas during this period, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with infected Mastomys rats’ urine or faeces.

The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria.

Person-to-person transmission and laboratory infections can also occur, especially in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, with an overall case-fatality rate of one per cent and approximately 15 per cent for severe cases.

The NCDC’s report for week 15 of 2024 indicated an increase in new confirmed cases, with 152 deaths reported so far, which is higher than the same period in 2023.

The states with the highest number of confirmed cases are Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, accounting for 65 per cent of cases.

The predominant age group affected is 31 to 40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.

There has also been an increase in suspected cases compared to the previous year, and 32 infections among healthcare workers have been reported.

The NCDC has emphasized the importance of prevention measures, including avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, practicing good personal hygiene, and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.

The NCDC remains committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and is actively working towards reducing the fatality rate to a single digit.

The public is urged to stay informed and follow the recommended prevention measures to help control the spread of Lassa fever.