Rédaction Africa Links 24 with George Kaduna
Published on 2024-02-21 19:46:51
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that Nigeria has recorded 411 confirmed cases and 72 deaths from Lassa fever across 21 states of the federation from week one to week six of 2024. The NCDC’s latest situation report for week six, spanning 5 to 11 February, revealed that the number of new confirmed cases has increased from 70 in week 5 to 83, with nine deaths in the reporting week.
65 per cent of all the confirmed cases were from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, with the remaining 35 per cent reported from 17 states. The report also indicated a decrease in the number of suspected cases in 2024 (2,122) when compared to that reported for the same period in 2023 (8,280).
According to the NCDC, the predominant age group affected by Lassa fever is 21-30 years, with two new health workers affected in the reporting week. The agency also indicated that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response at all levels at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The fight against Lassa fever across the country faces some challenges, including late presentation of the cases leading to an increase in CFR, and poor health-seeking behavior due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management. Other challenges include poor environmental sanitation conditions and poor awareness observed in high-burden communities.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or contaminated persons. Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
In response to the challenges in the fight against Lassa fever, the Nigerian government is taking steps to address the situation. However, ongoing support and resources are needed to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensure it remains free and available to all.
The NCDC’s report provides critical information about the current state of Lassa fever in Nigeria, including the number of confirmed cases, fatalities, and age groups affected. This information is vital for public health officials and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to control the spread of the disease and minimize its impact on communities.
As the government and health authorities continue to address the challenges of Lassa fever, it is essential for the public to be aware of the symptoms and transmission of the disease. This awareness can help minimize the risk of exposure and facilitate early detection and treatment of infected individuals.
In conclusion, the NCDC’s report underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges in the fight against Lassa fever in Nigeria. It provides valuable data and insights that will guide public health interventions and collaborative efforts to prevent, control, and manage the disease effectively. Ongoing support and resources are necessary to ensure the sustainability of a journalism of relevance and keep vital information accessible to all.
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