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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