The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 14 new cases of Lassa Fever, resulting in one death across Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states. This announcement was made by the NCDC Director-General during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Lassa Fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted through contact with rodent excreta, remains endemic in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever include fever, headache, sore throat, body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, chest pain, and severe cases of unexplained bleeding. Between May 6 and May 12, cases predominantly affected individuals aged 31 to 40. Of Nigeria's 36 states, 28 have reported at least one confirmed case, spanning 125 local government areas. Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi account for 64 percent of these cases.
To manage the outbreak, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System has been activated. The NCDC Director-General highlighted challenges such as late case reporting, poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate sanitation, and low awareness in high-burden areas. He emphasized that every individual, regardless of age, is susceptible to Lassa Fever and urged the public to adopt preventive measures.
Citizens are advised to exercise caution by setting traps to eliminate rats, refraining from handling rats with bare hands, and avoiding consumption of food items that may have been exposed to rodents. These proactive steps are essential to reduce the risk of infection and safeguard public health as Nigeria continues its fight against Lassa Fever.
