The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says 195 cases
of Lassa fever have been confirmed and that 29 deaths have been reported in 11
states as of January 24.
The centre said of the
confirmed cases, 89% are from Ondo, Edo and Ebonyi.
The NCDC said it
activated a national emergency operations centre (EOC) to coordinate
response activities on the disease.
In a statement issued on
Saturday, the centre said the national EOC which was set up on January 24,
includes representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
federal ministry of agriculture and rural development, federal ministry of
environment, World Health Organisation ( WHO), United Nations International
Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), US Centre for Disease Control, and other
partners.
It said two health
workers in Kano state have been confirmed dead.
The centre also said
rapid response teams have been deployed to support five out of the 11 affected
states.
“The NCDC continues to
support states in strengthening their preparedness and response capacity. Over
the last three weeks, NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to support five of
the affected states. The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr.Osagie Ehanire led a
high-level delegation to Kano State on the 25th of January 2020, following the
deaths of two health workers infected with Lassa fever. In addition, NCDC has
rapidly increased risk communications and community engagement activities to
ensure that Nigerians are aware of the risks of Lassa fever and measures to
protect themselves,” the statement read.
“There has been a decline
in the case fatality rate of reported Lassa fever cases from 23.4% in 2019 to
14.8% this year. NCDC continues to support treatment centres across states in
the country to effectively manage Lassa fever cases.
“Nigeria is contributing
to research and other activities for the development of a Lassa fever vaccine.
NCDC and the three main treatment centres in the country- Irrua Specialist
Teaching Hospital, federal medical centre Owo and Alex Ekwueme federal teaching
hospital Abakalilki- are set to commence Lassa fever epidemiological studies
that will provide data to guide research and response activities.
“The Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control remains committed to protecting the health of Nigerians. It is
important for members of the public to practice good hygiene and take measures
to protect themselves and their families.”
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