TheNewsGuru

Tag: NCDC

  • Cross River Govt confirms 1 case of Mpox

    Cross River Govt confirms 1 case of Mpox

    The Cross River Government has confirmed one case of Mpox in  Okoshe community in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The confirmation is coming a few days after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) reported a case in the state.

    The Mpox case was initially denied by the State  Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk.

    However, Ayuk, while addressing newsmen in Calabar on Sunday, said that the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja confirmed the presence of Mpox in one patient in Obudu.

    He explained that the ministry of health was alerted to a possible case of Mpox or chickenpox on Aug.19 by an Ebonyi Epidemiologist.

    ”The patient, a female resident of Okoshe village in Obudu, sought medical care at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki.

    “Her test sample was sent to the National Reference Laboratory, and the result, which returned on Saturday, Aug. 24, confirmed Mpox and ruled out chickenpox,”Ayuk said.

    The commissioner said that the state government was working to prevent a possible outbreak in the area.

    “While we are still investigating the patient’s travel history, the state government is taking immediate action to contain any possible spread in Obudu,” he assured.

    The commissioner said the ministry had ordered for immediate activation of the Mpox Emergency Operation Center to strengthen the response.

    He said Dr Ekpo Ekpo, Special Adviser to Gov. Bassey Otu on Health, has been appointed as Incident Manager.

    He also directed the Obudu LGA response team to collaborate with the state health team to mitigate efforts immediately.

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River appealed to the state government to enhance surveillance measures, citing the state’s vulnerability to such outbreak.

    NAN reports that the NCDC on Friday announced that the country has recorded a total of 40 confirmed cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases.The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, made this announcement at the Joint NCDC/World Health Organisation National Mpox briefing with stakeholders and partners in Abuja.

    The WHO Nigeria Country Office disclosed that Nigeria would be receiving doses of the mpox vaccine through a donation from the United States Government.

    Idris noted that an Emergency Operations Centre and an Incident Management System have been established since mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

    The NCDC said the cases recorded are Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo and Ebonyi,

    The centre saus some states have also been put on high alert including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba.

    The centre said that the National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), is coordinating Mpox response activities.

  • NCDC reports 40 confirmed cases of Mpox

    NCDC reports 40 confirmed cases of Mpox

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 40 confirmed cases of Mpox out of the 830 suspected cases in the country.

    Speaking at the Joint NCDC/WHO National Mpox Briefing with Stakeholders and Partners meeting on Friday in Abuja, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that the NCDC has met with the state governments and the state commissioners of health, basically to intimate them on the need to establish their own emergency preparedness and response teams, capabilities and action plans with the support of the centre.

    “We discussed what they are going to do in conjunction with their various local government areas, that is, in terms of coordination and incident management system. The essence is that the problems are at the sub-national level. We need to see how we can all collaborate together to reduce the incidence of this disease in Nigeria, Africa and globally”, he said.

    “Looking at the number of cases we have in the country, which is about 40, quite a number of them are in about 12 or 13 states. A number of the cases are in the South-South, South-East, some in Lagos, Ogun, and up north there. Looking at the distribution, our plans now are to target those states so that we can reduce the number of cases through active surveillance to detect more cases.

    “We have to beef up our laboratory services. All the cases we have seen so far were confirmed using genomic sequencing in two labs, the National Research Lab in Abuja and in Lagos. But because of the spread of what is happening, we need to increase the number of laboratories we’re going to use to test. So we are including LUTH and the African Center for Genomics (ACG).

    “More importantly, we need to increase all the laboratory capabilities, especially in the South-South, South-East area. We also know that in our network, quite a number of laboratories have the capacity to do PCR, but they may not be able to test for Mpox. So we need to beef up those capabilities, either by training or by supplying them with necessary reagents and consumables. We’ve identified a number of laboratories who are looking into that”, he added.

    The NCDC boss stated that the centre is intensifying public awareness to enlighten the public on what Mpox is, how it presents, and what people can do to reduce or prevent the spread.

    “The spread is based on contact with infected animals or infected humans. So once you can reduce or stop that contact, the transmission can easily be done. Although there are some cases, especially those caused by clade 1B, which have sexual transmission, and also some airborne. And that’s why, again, people, that’s the essence of this public enlightenment and public awareness, which we need to intensify.

    “There are some challenges we have been addressing in terms of data collection, for instance. We know that there are three states we have not reported anything from; some states may not report these cases because of stigma issues, or we consider it as not visible to them. Like we did for cholera, we are sending people out. We hope to get more cases. The objective is to reduce the number of cases, but we need to intensify the active search. All the cases we have here are of the clade 2B type, the less serious type, but we also have to be on alert for clade 1B”, he added.

    Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that Nigeria is not at high risk but rather at moderate risk of the spread of Mpox, but stressed the need for the country to remain vigilant considering that cases are being reported as far as Europe and Asia.

    Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Walter Mulombo, however, said the organisation will continue to work with the Nigerian government to strengthen public health measures that are needed to control the outbreak.

    Mulombo noted that there is a huge demand for the Mpox vaccine but the vaccine is in short supply, adding that the capacity of the current manufacturer cannot meet the global demand unless some kind of intervention is made.

    “Nigeria will be receiving a number of doses of vaccine through a donation from the U.S. government. The needs globally are huge but the vaccine is in short supply; the capacity of the current manufacturer cannot meet the demand.

    “We showed that the epicentre for this new emergency of international concern is in Central Africa and neighbouring countries. It’s triggered by the appearance of the new gladiator. It’s an opportunity. So, it’s ringing the bell on the need to remain vigilant and continue to monitor microbes in nature”.

     

  • 39 cases of Mpox recorded in Nigeria– NCDC

    39 cases of Mpox recorded in Nigeria– NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths from mpox have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    Director General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, made the revelation at a press briefing on the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern on Thursday.

    He said the NCDC is intensifying surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.

    According to Idris, the NCDC all port health services across all 5 international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders are on high alert.

    He added that some states have also been put on high alert including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the mpox surge in Africa a global public health emergency, worried by the rise in cases in DRC and the spread to nearby countries.

    The WHO called a meeting of experts to study the outbreak and make a recommendation to the UN health agency’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    “Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” Tedros told a press conference.

    “This is something that should concern us all. WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence, to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.”

    The decision comes after the African Union’s health watchdog declared its public health emergency over the growing outbreak.

    Mpox has swept through the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus formerly called monkeypox was first discovered in humans in 1970, and spread to other countries.

    Tedros said the more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported so far this year in DR Congo have already exceeded last year’s total.

     

  • Cholera epidemic continues spread across Nigeria

    Cholera epidemic continues spread across Nigeria

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it registered 63 deaths and 2102 suspected cases in the ongoing cholera epidemic across the country.

    The Director-General of the centre, Dr Jide Idris, said this during a news conference on the cholera situation on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, and has remained a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water.

    It is, therefore, advisable to understand the disease transmission mechanism so as to curb its spread.

    Idris said that as at June 30, Nigeria recorded 2,102 suspected cholera cases and 63 deaths across 33 states and 122 local government areas, with a case fatality rate of 3.0 per cent

    The NCDC boss said that the top 10 affected states are Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta, with seven of these being in the south.

    He said that the  National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), activated for this crisis, comprised subject matter experts who coordinate the response, ensuring effective resource mobilisation, surveillance, case management, and community engagement.

    He said that the measures aim to enhance diagnostic capacity, treatment, and public awareness.

    According to him, there are key  prevention and response activities initiated by the agency.

    “Such activities include assessments in 22 hotspot states, distribution of medical supplies, technical support, training programmes and public health advisories,” he said.

    The NCDC boss said that in spite of strong political support and efforts, challenges like open defecation, inadequate toilet facilities, poor water and sanitation, waste management issues, and weak regulatory practices persisted.

    He added said that the impact of climate change and flooding exacerbated the cholera situation in the country.

    He said that there were efforts to continue to combat the outbreak, with a focus on improving hygiene practices, enforcing public health laws, and enhancing healthcare workers’ capacity at state and local levels.

    “Only 123 (16 per cent) of 774 LGAs in Nigeria are open defeacation free. With Jigawa as the only open defeacation free state in Nigeria. More than 48 million Nigerians practice open defecation.

    “Inadequate toilet facilities and existing ones even in many government facilities not well maintained. Inadequate Safe water and poor sanitation,” he said.

    According to him, 11 per cent of schools, six per cent of health facilities, four  per cent of motor parks and markets, have access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    He listed its causes to include poor waste management practices, poor food, environmental and personal hygiene practices., capacity gap among health care workers at the state and LGA levels.

    “Weak regulation on construction of soak away and bore holes (some sunk close to water source and bore holes sunk in wrong location).

    “Inadequate Implementation and enforcement of public nuisance law and other relevant public health laws.

    “Inadequate capacity at State level – delayed disease reporting and response action. Capacity gap among health care workers at the state and LGA levels.

    “Also,  poor regulation of food vendor and commercial water supply on hygiene, weak regulation on sighting of boreholes and well, which are close to sewage or toilets pathways,” he said.

    He said that low knowledge and practice of basic hygiene such as hand washing and effect of climate change and flood was also a major cause of cholera.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako,  said that the cholera outbreak in the country came as a stark reminder that when the country failed to prioritise environmental sanitation,  public health would be jeopardised and economy would be affected.

    “Nigeria is experiencing the adverse impact of climate change as evidenced by the shift in seasons, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events like floods, droughts and heat waves with undeniable health consequences,” Salako said.

    According to him, the combination of climate change and poor sanitation, without doubt, poses a double jeopardy to the health of the planet and all creatures on it.

    Recall that public health experts have suggested comprehensive strategy to combat the cholera outbreak.

    The experts also called for improved sanitation, access to safe water, proper hygiene, and better living conditions to address this recurrent and predictable loss of lives.

    They advocated for the classification of cholera as a neglected tropical disease.

    Cholera, a virulent but treatable disease, causes 2.9 million cases and 95,000 deaths annually worldwide.

    Proper management keeps mortality under one percent, but it can rise to 60 percent if untreated.

    Historically, cholera has shaped public health, from John Snow’s 1854 London outbreak response to the development of life-saving oral rehydration therapy by Hemendra Nath Chatterjee in 1953.

  • Cholera: Water safety threatened by improper refuse disposal, open defecation – NCDC

    Cholera: Water safety threatened by improper refuse disposal, open defecation – NCDC

    Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has expressed concern over growing threat to water safety in the country, which triggers outbreak of water-borne diseases, including cholera.

    Its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, expressed worry in an interview with NAN on Sunday in Abuja, stressing that improper refuse disposal and open defecation practices are endangering the quality of water sources used for drinking and for personal use.

    The centre announced an outbreak of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which has spread to more than 30 states of the federation.

    The centre also reports that as of June 24, 2024, there were 1,528 suspected cholera cases, 65 confirmed cases and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.

    The most affected states include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

    The NCDC boss, therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt safe sanitation practices and called on state governments to enforce stricter waste management regulations, saying “unsafe practices lead to contamination of water bodies.

    “We must take responsibility to ensure the safety of our water. Proper waste disposal and elimination of open defecation are crucial in this direction.

    “There is also the need for public education and awareness about the importance of hygiene and proper sanitation practices amid rising concerns about the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which thrive in unsanitary conditions.”

    He explained that as the rainy season sets in, the risk of water contamination may be heightened, hence the need for communities to take immediate action.

    “We need collective efforts to protect our water sources and ensure the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.

    He listed measures taken to curtail the disease to include efforts made by the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, led by NCDC, comprising federal ministries of environment and water resources, and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    He said “World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners have been providing support to affected states.

    “The support includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, and dissemination of cholera awareness jingles in both English and local languages.

    “President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to establish a committee to oversee the cholera emergency operation centre operated by the NCDC.

    “This committee will include members from the ministries of health, finance, water resources, environment, youth, aviation and education.

    “The initiative aims to reduce open defecation with support from state governments.”

    Idris said the NCDC activated the emergency operation centre to address the outbreak.

    He, however, stressed the urgent need for improved sanitation practices and access to clean water to combat the outbreak.

    Meanwhile, Lagos State accounts for the highest number of the cholera deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two, while Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River recorded one each.

    The alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis, especially in affected states.

  • Death toll rises as cholera spreads at severe rate in Lagos, other States

    Death toll rises as cholera spreads at severe rate in Lagos, other States

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,598 suspected cases of cholera across 107 local government areas.

    The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent, underscoring  severity of the situation.

    The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while providing an update on the cholera epidemiological situation in Nigeria and ongoing prevention and response efforts at the national and subnational levels.

    Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access.

    Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.

    Idris, therefore, said “government is deeply concerned about the rapid spread and higher-than-expected mortality rate, indicating a more lethal outbreak.”

    He emphasised that the fatalities represented significant personal losses, including family members, spouses, parents and healthcare workers.

    “This situation can  be compounded as the rainy season intensifies,” he added.

    He disclosed that Lagos State accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two and Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River with one each.

    He added that “”this alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

    “Sixteen states accounted for 90 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Lagos being the epicentre of the outbreak.

    “Lagos State, having the highest number of cases, has received significant focus, with ongoing support and resources directed to manage the outbreak effectively.”

    He added that the outbreak also affected Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, Katsina, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, and Kwara.

    He expressed regret that the country is facing another public health emergency, just after dealing with Lassa Fever and Meningitis outbreaks.

    He explained that experts had conducted a dynamic risk assessment last week on the cholera outbreak situation, “in response to the rapidly increasing cases.”

    He expressed the agency’s deepest sympathy to those affected by the outbreak and reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

    He disclosed that an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been activated to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.

    He said the EOC would  coordinate the national response, particularly across  affected states, to interrupt disease transmission and reduce its impact and socioeconomic complications.

    “The EOC’s key actions and goals are to serve as hub for coordination and response, ensuring a unified approach across the country.

    “It will provide critical support to affected states and local governments, facilitating rapid communication and resource mobilisation, strengthen surveillance and improve data analysis capabilities.”

    He added that the EOC would coordinate the mobilisation and distribution of medical supplies, logistics and other resources, among others, to stem spread.

    The NCDC boss disclosed that an incident manager had been appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the EOC, coordinating efforts across several pillars, including surveillance, case management, use of oral cholera vaccines, infection prevention and control, logistics support and research.

    Prior to the activation, he said, NCDC and the National Cholera Protection Agency had already undertaken several preventive measures, including  distribution of medical supplies, provision of on-site support to states and daily reporting on progress made.

    Other measures are the training of laboratory scientists and community mobilisers, he said.

    He explained that the NCDC, through the National Cholera Technical Working Group, carried out prevention and response efforts, including prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, and laboratory diagnosis, in 36 states and the FCT.

    He acknowledged efforts of stakeholders, including ministries, departments, agencies, state and local governments, local and international partners, healthcare workers, community leaders and individuals who worked hard in responding to the outbreak.

    He also urged state governors to increase support and resources to manage the outbreak in their states.

  • Mysterious illness continues to trigger NCDC investigation

    Mysterious illness continues to trigger NCDC investigation

    Mysterious illness surfaced in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states,  prompting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to launch continuous investigation.

    The NCDC, via its official website confirmed its active involvement in analysing samples from affected individuals to determine the cause of the unusual health issue.

    The public health agency disclosed that 196 cases have so far been reported in Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella local government areas of Sokoto State, resulting in seven deaths.

    It added that “samples have been sent to sister laboratories for further analysis.

    “Reports of similar cases in Zamfara also prompted the dispatch of a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to assess and provide support.

    “Residents, especially in Kaduna State, are urged to promptly report symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss.”

    The NCDC stated that suspected heavy metal poisoning linked to mining activities also raised concerns about environmental contamination.

    “Exposure to heavy metals poses severe health risks, necessitating preventative measures such as avoiding direct exposure to dust and soil and enforcing safety standards in mining operations,” it said.

    The centre, therefore, reaffirmed commitment to collaborate with affected states to provide timely updates to the public.

    In a separate report, the Sokoto State government confirmed 35 cases of Ascites disease in Isa Local Government Area, expressing disappointment at the lack of communication from health stakeholders in the area.

    Ascites, characterised by fluid accumulation in the abdomen, is not infectious but can result from underlying medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis or heart failure.

    Treatment options include diuretics, paracentesis, shunts, or surgical interventions like liver transplant for severe cases.

  • Mysterious illness claims 8 lives in Sokoto

    Mysterious illness claims 8 lives in Sokoto

    No fewer than eight deaths and 208 suspected cases related to a mysterious illness have been recorded in Sokoto State, an official disclosed.

    Dr Ibrahim Usman, Center Manger of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Sokoto made this known in his presentation during an interactive session with officials of Sokoto State Ministry of Health and NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, alongside his team on Thursday in Sokoto

    The incident occurred at Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas of the state.

    Usman said prompt control measures were ensured by the NCDC and Sokoto State Government as samples were transported to higher laboratories for test to ascertain the disease.

    “The illness manifested with symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting and weight loss, primarily afflecting children aged four to 13, along with some adults.

    “Already, the NCDC has deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT), to collaborate with the State Ministry of Health to investigate the matter,” Usman said.

    He added that the affected children were taken to Specialist Hospital in Sokoto for treatment, while residents of the affected areas were sensitised on the dangers of the mysterious illness and advised to report cases promptly.

    According to him, interim results indicate varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.

    “The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies and community stakeholders,” he said.

    He commended the efforts of Medical Doctors and other healthcare personnel in containing the spread as well as treatment of affected persons, “who are now responding to treatment.”

    Earlier, Dr Larai Tambuwal, Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA) told the visiting team that complications from agricultural practices was being suspected.

    She said other considerations should also be centered on climatic conditions, security challenges, sources of water, open dedication, poor healthcare response, malnutrition and other surrounding issues.

    “This is not the first occurrence, as a similar incident occured in Tureta local government area of the state and was documented in 2023 without a conclusive diagnosis,” she said.

    She added that with similar occurrence in neighbouring Zamfara state, there was need for more clinical assessment to obtain the real outcome of the infectious origins.

    The Executive Director of Sokoto State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr Bello Attahiru, assured of more proactive measures to contain the disease and treatment of those infected.

    Attahiru said a ward was allocated for victims of the illness alone in the hospital and many were recuperating.

    In his address, NCDC Director General said that the search for causative factors continued, including heavy metal testing and assured to establish a standard laboratory located in Sokoto state.

    While investigation into the disease continued, the DG solicited for more vigilance within affected communities.

    Idris stressed the need for prompt reporting of symptoms to healthcare facilities or designated authorities.

    According to him, NSCDC is collaborating with other agencies such as NAFDAC to unravel the disease to argument treatment towards preventing its spread.

    He said all areas were being considered for unravelling the cause of the illness and enjoined people to enhance thier healthcare seeking behaviours, improve on thier personal hygiene, surrounding cleanliness and other health issues.

    The Director General explained that his coming to Sokoto was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to provide succour to the victims and end the menace.

    He also extended his condolences to the families affected by the outbreak and commended the dedication of healthcare workers and partnering organisations.

    Idris and his team paid visits to Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state and commiserated with them over the ugly development.

  • NCDC swings into action as mysterious disease rattles Sokoto State

    NCDC swings into action as mysterious disease rattles Sokoto State

    A mysterious illness has emerged in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving both health authorities and community leaders confused.

    According to Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the strange illness was reported to the agency on March 21, 2024.

    “The illness manifested with symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss, primarily afflicting children aged four to 13, along with some adults.

    “Already, the NCDC has deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT), to collaborate with the State Ministry of Health to investigate the matter.

    “So far, 164 suspected cases have been identified across six wards in Isa Local Government, resulting in four tragic fatalities.

    “Notably, this is not the first occurrence as a similar incident was documented in 2023. That one went without a conclusive diagnosis,” he said.

    Despite initial clinical assessments ruling out infectious origins, he said that the search for causative factors continues, including heavy metal testing.

    “Results indicate varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.

    “The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies, and community stakeholders.

    “At the moment, security challenges hamper access to affected areas, complicating response efforts,” he said.

    As investigation into the disease continues, the NCDC boss has urged vigilance within affected communities, emphasising prompt reporting of symptoms to healthcare facilities or designated authorities.

    He also expressed condolences to families affected by the outbreak and commended the dedication of healthcare workers and partnering organisations.

  • 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).