TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lassa Fever

  • NCDC alarmed by high fatality rate of Lassa fever

    NCDC alarmed by high fatality rate of Lassa fever

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).

    The NCDC disclosed this information on its official website, noting that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 19.4 per cent, up from 17.5 per cent in the same period in 2024.

    The latest Lassa Fever Situation Report revealed that 73 per cent of confirmed cases came from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo leading at 34 per cent, followed by Edo 21 per cent and Bauchi 18 per cent.

    It said a total of 63 local government areas in these 11 states had recorded confirmed cases.

    “In spite of a drop in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.

    “The affected age group is primarily 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

    The NCDC said while no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, delayed case presentations had contributed to the rising fatality rate.

    The NCDC pointed to poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges.

    To address the outbreak, the NCDC had activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.

    “The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.

    “The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.

    “Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”

    The NCDC stated that it was also collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response.

    The agency urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if symptoms like fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding occur.

    “As the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is intensifying case management training, rapid response coordination, and infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread.

    “A nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign is being planned in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.

    “For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232.”

    The NCDC further urged Nigerians to reduce their risk of infection by following these measures: store food properly in sealed containers to prevent rat contamination.

    “Keep homes clean and eliminate rodent hiding places. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water.

    “Avoid bush burning, which drives rats into homes, increasing the risk of infection.

    “Seek medical help early if experiencing fever, weakness, or bleeding, and visit a health facility immediately.”

    The NCDC stated that Lassa fever is preventable and encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones.

  • Lassa Fever claims 13 lives in Edo, 3 Mpox cases recorded

    Lassa Fever claims 13 lives in Edo, 3 Mpox cases recorded

    The Edo Government has confirmed 13 deaths from  outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

    Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, gave the update during an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Benin.

    According to him, three cases of Mpox otherwise known as Monkeypox was also recorded, though with no fatalities.

    Ojeifo noted that since the outbreak of Lassa fever was declared on Dec. 30, 2024, the state had recorded 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases.

    “So far, we have 83 confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 13 deaths.

    “Seven patients are currently receiving treatment, while others have been discharged,” he said.

    He said the fatalities were recorded in Etsako West, Esan West  and Esan North-East Local Government Areas of the state, which had been identified as the epicenters of the outbreak.

    He, however, attributed the high mortality rate to late presentation at health facilities.

    Ojeifo said the state government was working with private hospitals to ensure timely referrals to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the designated centre for Lassa Fever treatment.

    He said that health officials from the state and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, had also conducted contact tracing in affected communities.

    “Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to malaria, until it reaches an advanced stage.

    “We are sensitising communities to seek medical attention if a fever persists beyond 72 hours,” Ojeifo said.

    The director urged residents to avoid self-medication and seek immediate care at the nearest hospital if they experienced symptoms resembling malaria.

  • Lassa fever leaves 23 dead in Ebonyi

    Lassa fever leaves 23 dead in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Government on Thursday said that 394 suspected cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded since January till December in the state.

    The government said 48 cases were confirmed from the suspected case and out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged.

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru announced this on Thursday in Abakaliki at the official sign off and handover ceremony of Medecens Sans Frontieres (MSF) also known as ”Doctors without borders” Lassa Fever support activities to the state government.

    “Though we grief over those that died, we give kudos to doctors without borders for saving the lives of those who survived the disease.

    “The spread of this virus is believed to be facilitated by sociocultural practices, poor health seeking behavior, poor environmental sanitation conditions, lack of  awareness and community engagement.

    “We, therefore applaud the splendid efforts of one of our international health ally and partner known as MSF

    “The giant humanitarian strides recorded as milestones of this team in the area of health and well-being of our people is enormous and as a government we are highly indebted to them.

    “MSF became an official health ally and partner to Ebonyi State through the state ministry of health in 2018 and since then they have remained steadfast.

    “Records have shown that this year 2024 alone, Nigeria has recorded over 4,726 cases with very significant fatality rate.

    “In Ebonyi State here, we have recorded 394 suspected cases since January till date with 48 confirmed cases  out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged home.

    “As a governor,  I am satisfied with  proactive, relentless and very tremendous efforts you have made in our health sector since your arrival to Ebonyi State in 2018.

    “I believe that sooner than later we shall overcome and eliminate in totality the dangers of Lassa Fever and with your constant backup our acceleration in subduing this deadly virus will be faster and better,” he said.

    The governor implored MSF leadership in their rank and files to consider the sincerest appeal from the state and continue our partnership for the sake of humanity.

    He promised to offer feasible support to accomplish the set goals in Ebonyi State in order to eradicate Lassa Fever.

    Earlier, Dr Allan Godfrey, MSF’s Field Coordinator in Ebonyi thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the discharge of their humanitarian services to the people.

    Godfrey noted that its intervention in Ebonyi on healthcare delivery had been successful, urging the state government on the need for sustainability.

    “Within our stay in the state , we have constructed six health centres and other interventions,” he added.

  • Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recorded a rise in Lassa fever cases in week 39 of 2024, with Ondo and Edo states reporting nine new confirmed cases.

    The NCDC stated this on its official website, based on latest Lassa Fever Situation Report.

    The agency said that this marked an increase from four cases reported in  previous week, raising the total number of infection and deaths in the year to alarming levels.

    The NCDC revealed that “the country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to 1,018 across 28 states.

    “As of week 39 (September 23-29), 172 deaths have been reported, reflecting a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9 per cent, compared to 16.8 per cent in the same period in 2023.”

    It highlighted that the new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states, two of the three states that account for 68 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2024.

    It noted that “Ondo reported 28 per cent of the cases, followed by Edo with 23 per cent and Bauchi, 17 per cent.”

    The NCDC said that the predominant age group affected by the disease ranged from 31 to 40 years, with an equal number of male and female patients.

    It said that no healthcare workers were affected during the reporting week, a positive sign amid heightened number of cases.

    The Nigerian public health agency said that in spite of nationwide efforts to curb spread of the disease, the increasing number of deaths is worrisome.

    It attributed the high CFR to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.

    It noted that the challenges, coupled with limited access to treatment, were posing significant threats to the country’s ability to reduce fatalities.

    The agency said the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) had continued to coordinate response activities, while alerts were sent through the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS) on ongoing efforts.

    The NCDC added that its partners had rolled out various interventions to bolster efforts toward tackling the menace. 

    Lassa fever, identified by the World Health Organisation as pathogen with high potential for severe outbreaks, poses growing threat as climate change puts an estimated 700 million people at risk.

    Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle pain, and in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding, as survivors often suffer from long-term complications, such as deafness.

    Meanwhile, as Nigeria battles the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, public health experts said concerted efforts are required from both the government and the public to avert further loss of lives.

  • Delta confirms four cases of Lassa fever

    Delta confirms four cases of Lassa fever

    The Delta State Government has confirmed four cases of Lassa fever in the state urging residents to keep their environment clean always.

    Dr Joseph Onojaeme, the Delta State Commissioner for Health said this on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the status of outbreak of Lassa fever in the State.

    “In week 12, we have four confirmed cases so far recorded with a fatality rate of 50% though the general fatality rate for Lassa fever is 1 – 15%.

    “So, we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we curtail the transmission from patient to health workers and from patients to relatives,” the Commissioner said.

    He said that the state government was doing a lot of advocacy especially to health workers and sensitisation of residents to having a high index of suspicion when they see those cases.

    “The affected local government Areas where the cases were recorded are Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ndokwa East.

    “Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) have been set up across the State to monitor the situation and ensure residents are aware of what is going on,” he said.

    He said the State Government was working with Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State and was able to achieve less than 24 hours of getting test results of Lassa fever as against the 72 hours range .

    “We should not expose food to rats and  ensure that rats do not breed in or around homes,” he said

    Dr Mildred Igumbor, the State Epidemiologist, said all hands should be on deck to ensure the elimination of the disease.

    She explained that the State government had set up a multi-sectoral EOC comprising officials of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and Natural Resources, among others.

    “Lassa fever is spread through contact with the faeces or urine of rats on foods hence we are sensitising residents to the need for them to ensure rats don’t get in contact with their food.

    “To ensure prevention control measures are in place in our health facilities, health workers must have a very high index of suspicion.

    “We are telling everyone that not all fever cases are malaria cases; so, if you are sick, please go to any nearest health facility or qualified medical personnel to seek medical attention.

    “If you get there and the health personnel have a high level of suspicion, you will be tested and with the result received, such patients will be properly managed,” she added.

    Dr Igumbor said that the Isolation Center at the Federal Medical Center Asaba, built by the Delta State Government, has the capacity for isolation and management of confirmed cases.

    “If there is need for referrals they would be transferred to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State,” she said.

  • Lassa Fever: NCDC registers 20 deaths across 16 states

    Lassa Fever: NCDC registers 20 deaths across 16 states

    Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has registered new cases of Lassa fever and 20 deaths across 16 states in one week.

    According to NCDC, the period spans from Feb. 26 to March 3.

    The NCDC, via its official website, said that for week nine of 2024, there was an increase in the confirmed cases from 96, in week eight.

    Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic (excessive bleeding) illness that is 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, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.

    The agency said that in spite of th efforts, the country continued to face new cases and fatalities, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Lassa fever.

    It disclosed that the country registered 109 cases, all in one week.

    ‘‘Cumulatively, the report shows that from week one to nine, Nigeria recorded 682 confirmed cases and 128 deaths with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 which was 16.1 per cent.’’

    It also noted that the number of suspected cases increased, compared to that reported for the same period in 2023, adding that eight new healthcare workers were affected in the reporting week 9.

    The agency said that the states affected were Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Ebonyi, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Adamawa, Anambra, Rivers, Ogun and Oyo.

    The situation report noted that 62 per cent of all the confirmed cases were reported from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi while 38 per cent were from 24 states with confirmed cases.

    It stated that the predominant age group affected was 31 to 40 years, while the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9.

    The public health agency said that the National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System had been activated to coordinate response at all levels at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

  • Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak: KDSG orders prompt investigation

    Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak: KDSG orders prompt investigation

    The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to suspected outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever popularly known as “Lassa Fever” at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

    This is contained in a statement by Muhammad Shehu, Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor on Thursday.

    According to him, Gov. Uba Sani has directed the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to immediately investigate and ascertain the situation at the health facility.

    He said “consequently, a surveillance team was promptly mobilised to assess the situation and containment measures initiated alongside the hospital management.

    “Currently, four deaths have been recorded within the hospital premises, while three other patients with similar symptoms are being managed.

    “The Kaduna State Ministry of Health and management of the hospital
    are working assiduously to contain the situation, those who came into contact with those infected identified and closely monitored and provided urgent medical treatment.

    “Samples have been carefully collected from contacts and sent for confirmation to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory and are closely being followed up.

    “Additionally, all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been instituted at the facility, while it remains closed to the public, until full containment has been achieved.”

    With symptoms such as fever, general body weakness and after a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain, the public has been urged to maintain proper food and environmental hygiene, vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

    The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has further been directed to enhance surveillance, in collaboration with local government health departments.

  • FCT confirms 2 cases of Lassa fever

    FCT confirms 2 cases of Lassa fever

    The Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, says two Lassa fever cases have been confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) out of four suspected cases.

    Fasawe disclosed this on Monday at a news conference on the latest outbreak of the disease in Abuja.

    Lassa fever is one of the viral hemorrhagic diseases and is caused by the Lassa virus.

    Reported in other countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Nigeria is fast becoming endemic with hot spot states including Edo, Ondo and Delta States.

    According to Fasawe, annually, the FCT experiences sporadic infections between November and April so the city is in the middle of an outbreak.

    She also said that the FCT has inaugurated the Emergency Operations Center to achieve a coordinated sub national response and interrupt the transmission as soon as possible.

    Giving a national update on the disease, she said that as at Monday, Nigeria had recorded cumulatively 486 suspected cases, confirmed 134 cases with 21 deaths giving a case fatality rate of 15.7 per cent.

    She, however, added that though the FCT has recorded four suspected cases and confirmed two, adding that there has been no related death from the disease.

    The mandate secretary said that the first case was of a 14-month old female.

    Narrating how the two confirmed cases came about, she said that on Jan. 15, the FCT Public Health Department received an alert of Lassa fever from a clinician in Bwari General Hospital.

    “A Rapid Response Team was mobilised to investigate the cases and it was revealed that the two children were high risk contacts of their mother.

    “Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation.

    “The deceased was a confirmed case, diagnosed at the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

    “Following her demise, the father travelled on the Jan. 9, to Bauchi to bring back the children who had accompanied their mother to Bauchi and returned to the FCT on Jan. 12.”

    She added that the father later presented the children to Bwari General Hospital and the facility notified the Public Health Department and response commenced.

    Fasawe said that the case was investigated due to high index of suspicion and daily monitored them for symptoms.

    “The result came back positive for the 14 month old and negative for the 13-year-old.

    “The 14 month old is currently on treatment and the 13-year-old is currently on prophylaxis (prevention),’’ she said.

    On second case, she said that it involved a 15-year-old female who was confirmed on Jan. 17 at the Abuja University Teaching Hospital.

    According to her, both cases are unrelated and they are both receiving care and are responding to treatment. Those contacts have been listed and were being followed up for 21 days.

    “The disease is transmitted through a multi-mammate rat which serves as the reservoir of the virus.

    “These rats transmit the virus when they contaminate food and water.  The virus is also transmitted through contact with body fluids of infected persons like blood, vomitus and feces.

    “About 80 per cent of the cases are said to be asymptomatic while 20 per cent the disease progresses with a variety of severity.

    “Symptoms are non-specific and mimic other infectious diseases. However, common signs and symptoms to look out for include high fever (38.5 degrees) which is usually not responsive to routine treatment, chest pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

    “The late-stage disease is characterised by bleeding from orifices and multi-organ shut down.’’

    Fasawe, who said that though there was no cause for alarm, said basic precautions should be employed.

    “These include not exposing food to the possibility of rat droplets, early report to the nearest health center while all suspected cases should be reported to the nearest health facility.’’

    She appealed to clinicians in both public and private health facilities to have a high index of suspicion and that suspected cases should be referred to the designated treatment centers located in the National Hospital, Abuja and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

    Fasawe also gave designated phone numbers to be called if any suspected cases arise.

    They are 08033156560 and 09084000085.

    NAN

  • Sharp increase in Lassa Fever reported in week 51 of 2023 – NCDC

    Sharp increase in Lassa Fever reported in week 51 of 2023 – NCDC

    The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has reported a sharp increase in Lassa Fever cases in week 51 of 2023.

    The centre, however, reported a lower fatality rate compared to the same period the previous year.

    The information was released in NCDC’s official website on Sunday in Abuja.

    The centre said that in week 51 of 2023, the number of newly confirmed lassa fever cases increased significantly from10 in week 50, to 26 cases.

    “These cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Plateau States,” it said.

    “Cummulatively, from week 1 to week 51 of 2023, a total of 215 deaths have been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 17.5 per cent.

    “This figure is slightly lower than the record for the same period in 2022, which was 17.9 per cent.

    “Throughout the year 2023, Lassa fever cases was reported in 28 states across 121 Local Government Areas.

    “The majority of confirmed cases, accounting for 77 per cent, were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.

    “Specifically, Ondo State reported 35 per cent of the confirmed cases, Edo reported 28 per cent and Bauchi reported 14 per cent,” it stated.

    The agency said that the age group most affected by Lassa fever was 21-30 years, with cases ranging from 1 to 93 years.

    “It said that the median age of confirmed cases was 32 years.

    The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1 and 0.9,” it stated.

    The centre said that the number of suspected cases has increased compared to the same period in 2022.

    It said that additionally, two healthcare workers were affected in week 51.

    To address the situation, multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOC) have been activated at the national level and in the affected states, it said.

    It said that challenges faced in combating Lassa fever included the late presentation of cases, leading to an increase in the case fatality rate.

    “Poor health-seeking behaviour is also observed due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of the disease.

    “Poor environmental sanitation conditions and low awareness are also observed in high-burden communities,” it stated.

    It said that the report was based on case-based data retrieved from the National Lassa fever Emergency Operations Centre.

    The statement identified symptoms of the disease to include fever, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia and chest pain.

  • NIGERIA: Lassa fever death toll rises to 142 in 11 weeks

    NIGERIA: Lassa fever death toll rises to 142 in 11 weeks

    The death toll of Lassa fever in Nigeria so far this year has risen to 142, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

    In its eleventh-week Lassa fever situation report, the NCDC said there had been a total of 784 confirmed cases recorded from 23 states and 97 local government areas since the beginning of the year.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that a total of 3,826 suspected cases were recorded from January to March 19, 2023.

    With the current death toll, the public health institution noted that the case-fatality ratio of the outbreak stood at 18.1 percent.

    It added that the predominant age group affected in the country was 21 to 30 years, with the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases being 10:9.

    According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.

    Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well.

    The report read in part, in week 11, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 70 in week 10 2023 to 38 cases. These were reported from Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Plateau, and Nasarawa States.

    Lassa fever death toll rises to 142 in 11 weeks

    “Cumulatively from week 1 to week 11, 2023, 142 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.1% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (18.7%).

    In total for 2023, 23 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 97 Local Government Areas.

    “Seventy-one of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 29% were reported from 6 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 71% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 32%, Edo 29%, and Bauchi 10%.”

    The report showed that one new Healthcare worker was affected in reporting week 11.

    The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022