NCDC alerts health workers as Lassa fever kills 140

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has appealed to health workers to “maintain a high index of suspicion for the Lassa fever disease, be vigilant and look out for symptom, noting that not all fevers are malaria.

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Nigeria has continued to witness an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases amidst a decline in COVID-19 cases

The centre said 22 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory have reported 751 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2022.

This number, according to the centre, is apart from the 4,272 suspected cases reported so far in the country.

The centre also noted that 140 deaths had been reported so far.

Since the last outbreak of the disease in 2016, the NCDC noted that there had been an increase in the number of recurring cases.

In 2019, the centre noted that a total of 796 cases were reported, while in 2020, a total of 1,165 cases were confirmed during the height of the pandemic.

The centre said it confirmed a total of 4,632 suspected cases in 2021.

“In 2022, 23 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 95 local government areas. Of all the confirmed cases, 68 per cent are from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states.

“The predominant age group affected is between 21 and 30 years. The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the year 2021.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment is also implementing a Lassa fever environmental response campaign in high burden states.

“Lassa fever presents initially like any other febrile illness such as malaria. Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body areas.

“The time between infection and appearance of symptoms of the disease ranges from three to twenty-one days. Early treatment and diagnosis increase the chances of survival.”