In a bid to address the escalating cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has activated the national multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa Fever (LF-EOC).
This decision follows a comprehensive risk assessment conducted by experts from relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.
In a statement signed by Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa said the risk assessment identified several factors contributing to the increased risk of Lassa fever transmission and impact, including a surge in cases across multiple states, high case fatality rates, low index of suspicion among healthcare workers, healthcare worker infections and deaths, and continued attrition of essential healthcare.
“Throughout 2023, a concerning rise in Lassa fever cases and associated healthcare worker infections prompted an early activation of the LF-EOC, as opposed to the usual peak period from January to May annually.
“Cumulatively, 9155 suspected cases, 1270 confirmed cases, and 227 deaths with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9% were reported across 28 states and 124 Local Government Areas (LGAs),” he added.
Dr. Adetifa explained that comparing the situation as of January 7, 2023, to January 7, 2024, there is a notable increase in confirmed cases from 29 to 53, with fatalities decreasing from 8 to 6.
“The CFR has seen a significant drop from 27.6% to 11.3%, reflecting some positive developments in the ongoing response efforts.
“Affected states so far include Ondo (13), Edo (13), Bauchi (11), Benue (6), Taraba (6), and 1 each from Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Plateau States.
“Although, we have more confirmed cases than week 1 of 2023, the current CFR of 11.6% is lower than that for the same reporting week of 2023 (CFR of 27.6%),” he said.
Dr. Adetifa said, “Preceding the LF-EOC activation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH & SW) and the NCDC undertook various measures to prepare for the Lassa fever season, including issuing alerts, conducting biweekly meetings, capacity building for healthcare workers, and prepositioning medical supplies in treatment centers across the country.
“The LF-EOC will spearhead a coordinated national response across affected states, aiming to minimize suffering, reduce mortality, interrupt disease transmission, and address socioeconomic complications caused by Lassa fever, employing a one-health approach,” he added.
The NCDC emphasizes the need for collective participation from all levels of government, the public, and stakeholders.
“Public cooperation in maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, as well as food safety, is crucial in the fight against Lassa fever.”
Urging for vigilance, the NCDC underscores the importance of early detection and immediate presentation at health facilities, as it actively works towards reducing the fatality rate to a single digit, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
