LASSA Fever Still On The Rise In Nigeria,As More People Fall Victims

The fight against Lassa Fever is not over yet as more cases have been recorded in about 3 states in Nigeria recently.Confirming the new cases, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that two cases were reported from Plateau State, one from Rivers, and one each from Bauchi and Gombe. They all occurred between August 24 to September 2.
The individual with the Lassa fever in Gombe died on August 22 while others are still alive.
According to the agency, public health response has commenced in all the affected states under the leadership of the respective state’s Ministries of Health.
“Resources were immediately mobilised from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and its partner, the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP), to support the investigation and management of cases in the affected states,” the agency said in a statement

The Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, stressed the need for early detection of the disease and reporting of the cases.
“We commend the early detection and reporting of the most recent cases, as it significantly improves the likelihood of survival for the cases and also reduces the risk of further transmission. We also urge all States to report cases immediately for Lassa fever while improving on the timeliness of their reporting generally,” Dr. Ihekweazu stated.
As a result of increasing number of cases of Lassa fever, the NCDC also issued an advisory to all States, reminding them of the steps they have to take to prepare and respond to cases of Lassa fever and other haemorrhagic fevers, as well as the resources that they can access for this.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control further reiterated its commitment to supporting the States to prevent the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.