The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated its Lassa Fever emergency operations centre to strengthen coordination of response efforts.
It said the decision was in anticipation of possible worst case scenario considering the rapidly rising cases of Lassa Fever in Nigeria.
NCDC, in a statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said the outcome of the risk assessment conducted by subject matter experts from relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners, wasn’t palatable, hence the urgent action to strengthen response system.
He disclosed that outcome of the risk assessment placed Nigeria at “high risk” of Lassa Fever transmission and impact due to increased number of states reporting the cases; high case fatality in confirmed cases; the low index of suspicion among health care workers; healthcare worker infections and deaths, continued attrition of essential healthcare.
Dr. Adetifa maintained that NCDC remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of Nigerians, and is actively working towards reducing the fatality rate to a single digit.
He recall that in 2023, a rise in the number of cases was reported from week 49, and associated healthcare workers infection over a period of three weeks. “The upsurge indicated an early peak into the high transmission season nationally. Although, this is usually seen from January to May, annually.
“Cumulatively, 9,155 suspected cases; 1, 270 confirmed cases; 227 deaths; Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9 per cent; were reported for 2023 (across 28 states and 124 LGAs). The zones of impact of Lassa Fever have been increasing across the country with risk of international exposures.”
Meanwhile, situation report as of 7th January, 2023, in comparison to 7th January, 2024, indicated a total confirmed cases: 29 -53; fatalities: 8- 6; case fatality rate (CFR): 27.6% – 11.3%; States: 6 –9; Local Government Areas: 13 –27; and 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.
NCDC maintained that national response to Lassa Fever or any public health outbreak requires participation of all governments, along with the support of partners and other stakeholders.
“While the NCDC has the mandate to lead the prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies, this is, undoubtedly, done in collaboration and with the support of States who also have to develop and implement evidence-driven outbreak response plans for their territories.
“Additionally, members of the public have collective responsibility to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as well as food hygiene in the fight against Lassa Fever. We urgently urge the public and healthcare workers to remain vigilant. Early detection and immediate presentation at health facilities significantly increase survival chances.”
