Lassa Fever: FCT Health Secretary Addresses Surge with Four New Confirmed Cases

The Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES) Dr. Adedolapo Fasawa, has addressed the alarming surge in Lassa Fever cases in the nations capital, FCT.

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Dr. Fasawa during a press briefing said the outbreak, initially detected on January 15, 2024, has intensified with four new confirmed cases, prompting urgent public health measures.

“The genesis of the outbreak traces back to Bwari General Hospital, where a rapid response was initiated after an alert on January 15. High-risk contacts of a confirmed case were identified, and samples were promptly sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation”. She said.

The Mandate Secretary said the deceased, diagnosed in Bauchi, triggered a response as the father brought back the children on January 12. “Public Health intervention at BGH on January 15 led to a positive diagnosis for the 14-month-old and negative for the 13-year-old”.

She said in an unrelated case, clinicians at Abuja University Teaching Hospital reported another positive case but encouragingly, no fatalities have occurred, and all cases are responding positively to treatment.

Dr. Fasawa delved into the epidemiology of Lassa Fever, highlighting its viral hemorrhagic nature. “Nigeria is witnessing an upsurge, with FCT being an endemic region, experiencing sporadic infections between November and April”.

“The mode of transmission, primarily through the Mastomys Natalensis rat, involves contamination of food and water. Additionally, the virus spreads through contact with infected persons’ body fluids, there is need for heightened precautions”. She added.

“Symptoms, often asymptomatic in 80% of cases, can progress to severe conditions in 20%. High fever, chest pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are common signs, while late-stage disease manifests with bleeding and multi-organ failure”. She noted.

Dr. Fasawa said treatment emphasis lies in early reporting, with designated treatment centers available.

She provided a situation report as of January 22, 2024, revealing 486 suspected cases in Nigeria, with a case fatality rate of 15.7%. “FCT records 4 suspected and 2 confirmed cases, both responding well to treatment”.

“Public health actions taken include linking cases to care, pre-positioning commodities, and tracking contacts for 21 days. FCT activates a sub-national Emergency Operations Center for a coordinated response, led by Dr. Doris John”.

Dr. Fasawa reassured the public, emphasizing basic precautions like avoiding rat-contaminated food and early reporting to health centers. She  called on clinicians in both public and private health facilities to maintain a high index of suspicion.

“Designated treatment centers at the National Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, are actively addressing the outbreak”. She added.

The Director Administration & Finance, Mr. Noel Haruna, Actg. DG Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello, and the Director Public Health, Dr. Doris John were present during the media briefing to address the outbreak of Lassa Fever and  activation of the emergency operations Centre (EOC) to respond and manage the incident.