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  • 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

  • Suspected Meningitis outbreak kills 38 in Jigawa

    Suspected Meningitis outbreak kills 38 in Jigawa

    No fewer than 38 persons have died of suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in Jigawa, an official, have confirmed.

    Dr Salisu Muazu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, told newsmen in Dutse on Thursday that the state recorded a total of 398 suspected cases  between October 2022 to date.

    Muazu said the disease was detected in 56 political wards across seven local government areas of the state that boarder Niger Republic.

    He said the outbreak was initially from the neighbouring Niger Republic, and later spread to the border communities in the state, through trans border activities.

    The permanent secretary listed the affected areas to include Babura, Maigatari, Suletankarkar, Birniwa, Gumel, Gwiwa and Yankwashi.

    “This is in spite of the fact that last year, we conducted immunisation against this disease across the state.

    “But after getting the report of the outbreak, we took the samples for test in the laboratory, and we discovered it was a strange disease.

    “It is not a normal CSM disease that we commonly know which is the type A, this one, we discovered that it is bacteria, known as type B.

    “And immediately after results were obtained, the state government, through the ministry, swung into action, by offering free treatment, control and prevention measures in the affected areas,” he said

    Muazu further stated that the ministry had established an isolation centre at Gumel General Hospital, to which affected persons are being referred to for treatment and observation.

    He, however, stressed that the situation had been brought under control, as cases are being sporadically recorded.

    “As of now, we record only one to two cases per day. In fact there are some days that passed without recording a single case, as the last was recorded on Saturday,” he said.

    The permanent secretary commended the UNICEF, WHO and NCDC for thier support to the ministry in tackling the outbreak.

  • Nigeria records 216 confirmed diphtheria cases – NCDC

    Nigeria records 216 confirmed diphtheria cases – NCDC

    Nigeria has recorded 216 diphtheria cases and 40 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.

    Dr Bola Lawal, Lead of the Diphtheria/Pertussis Technical Working Group, NCDC, confirmed that the confirmed cases were reported in four states: Kano (211), Yobe (two), Lagos (two), and Osun (two).

    NAN reports that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

    Signs and symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and range from mild to severe. Symptoms often come on gradually, beginning with a sore throat and fever.

    Lawal said that the majority of the deaths were recorded in Kano State (38), while Lagos State recorded two deaths.

    He said the agency was supporting the response activities in Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Osun, Yobe, and Katsina states.

    He also said out of the 216 confirmed cases, 27 were fully vaccinated, 84 were unvaccinated, and 20 were partly vaccinated.

    Lawal said: “Kano state recorded 396 suspected cases with 211 confirmed cases; Yobe State has recorded 78 suspected cases with two confirmed cases; Katsina has 34 suspected cases but no confirmed case yet; Lagos has recorded 14 suspected cases and two confirmed cases; Osun has one confirmed case so far.

    “We have also recorded 40 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.5 per cent. Of the 216 confirmed cases, 184 (85.2 per cent) were aged two to 14 years from both sexes.”

    He said that there was low immunisation for the pentavalent vaccine, poor surveillance and limited laboratory capacity to properly diagnose the disease, noting that the agency was supporting intensified activities to conduct routine immunisation among children under two years, particularly in Kano State.

    Also, he said, there has been harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data from across states and laboratories with the sensitisation/training of clinical and surveillance officers on the presentation, prevention, and surveillance for diphtheria in states where rapid response teams were deployed.

    Meanwhile, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, stressed: “surveillance is everybody’s responsibility; it is not just enough to see. If you see something suspicious, report it to your local government, report to NCDC, and then they can investigate.”

    Newsmen reports that children under five and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for getting it.

  • NMA worried over spread of Lassa fever among health workers

    NMA worried over spread of Lassa fever among health workers

    The Bauchi State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), conducted a one-day sensitisation on Lassa fever for its members on Sunday.

    It centred on Lassa fever infection and transmission among health workers.

    Bauchi State recorded 1,106 suspected cases of Lassa fever in 2022, 162 of which were confirmed.

    Dr Mahmud Maigari of the Department of Internal Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, told the sensitisation session that 34 of the confirmed cases were recorded among health workers.

    He said women accounted for 51.2 per cent of the cases, while neb accounted for 48.8 per cent.

    He noted that in 2022, Lassa fever patients based on occupation were mostly farmers, amounting to 54 cases in crop production and in animal husbandry.

    Speaking on infection prevention and control, Dr Biodun Ogunniyi, Assistant Director, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said more than 60 per cent of infectious diseases could be reduced through hand hygiene.

    He said that to break the link of transmission of infectious diseases, health workers should use the core components of protection.

    Ogunniyi listed use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), isolation precaution and decontamination of water as some components to be employed against transmission.

    In his contribution, Dr Jibrin Yusuf, Chief Medical Director, ATBUTH, said that the hospital would introduce rewards and sanctions for the use of PPE and other protocols among health personnel.

    He said five health workers had already been infected with Lassa fever in the hospital in 2023.

    “ATBUTH will introduce rewards and assign schedules among staff to monitor personnel using their PPE from the gate and till close of work.

    “This is part of motivation to reduce the burden of infection on health workers,’’ he said.

    Dr Jamila Suleiman, a 2014 Lassa fever survivor and employee of ATBUTH confirmed that not using the PPE was the cause of her infection.

    She said that lessons must be learnt on ways to mitigate the transmission of Lassa fever.

    She expressed regrets that some of her colleagues lost their lives to Lassa fever in the line of duty

    The sensitisation session was held with support from Breakthrough Nigeria (BA-N), an NGO.

    Earlier, BA-N Coordinator in Bauchi State, Mr Usman Mohammed, said the NGO, with funding from USAID creates demand and awareness on health care services.

    He assured that BA-N would continue support activities in Bauchi State to improve healthcare delivery.

    NMA Secretary in Bauchi State, Dr Abdullahi Kabir, said at the session that Lassa fever was chosen to remind health workers on best practices considering the fact that the fever is prevalent between December and April.

  • Meningitis: NCDC deploys rapid response team to Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina

    Meningitis: NCDC deploys rapid response team to Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to Jigawa, Yobe and Katsina State.

    Dr Pricilla Ibekwe, Head of Special Projects and Partnerships Unit at NCDC, said this on Monday in Abuja, during a Ministerial bi-weekly meeting on the update of COVID-19 response and development in the country’s health sector.

    Ibekwe said the deployment of the RET, followed a notification by the State Government on rising cases of suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) disease.

    Newsmen reports that CSM is an acute inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord.

    It is a very serious infection that can lead to death if left untreated.

    CSM remains a major public health challenge, affecting countries in the African meningitis belt, including 25 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria.

    Ibekwe said that the preliminary reports were of 117 suspected and 12 confirmed cases, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 27 per cent from EPI Week 49 2022 and EPI Week II of 2023.

    “We have also provided commodities.

    “On the other hand, due to the proximity of Jigawa to Yobe and Katsina States, We have also deployed RRT members to Yobe and Katsina to assess, improve on the level of preparedness and to conduct active CSM case finding for early detection of cases already exist,” she said.

    Meanwhile, regarding the spread of CSM, she said Nigerians should avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate ventilation in the home.

    “Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or by blowing into the elbow when sneezing or coughing.

    “Wash your hands frequently especially after coughing or sneezing. Visit a health facility if you have a sudden high fever or neck stiffness for diagnosis and treatment,” she advised.

    She called on all health workers to practice universal care precautions at all times: i.e. wearing gloves while handling patients or providing care to an ill relative.

    “It is very important to report to the nearest health facility immediately if you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above.

    “If you notice any member(s) of your family or neighbourhood with any of the listed signs or symptoms, kindly encourage them to report to the nearest health facility.,” she explained.

    She, however, said that early presentation to a health facility and treatment increases the chances of survival.

    Newsmen reports that large outbreaks of CSM usually occur during the dry season (i.e. November through May).

    The disease is contagious and can be transmitted through tiny droplets of respiratory secretions from an infected person, during close contact such as coughing or sneezing.

    The disease is more common among persons aged less than 15 years and deaths are higher among untreated cases.

    Signs and symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, difficulty concentrating, and convulsions. The major risk factors for infection include overcrowding and poor ventilation.

    During outbreaks, reactive vaccination campaigns can be used to prevent the spread of the disease.

  • Kano Govt Confirms outbreak of Diphtheria in 13 LGs

    Kano Govt Confirms outbreak of Diphtheria in 13 LGs

    The Kano State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Diphtheria in 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The state commissioner for Health, Dr Aminu Tsanyawa, stated this at a briefing on Diphtheria and Lassa fever outbreaks in the state on Saturday.

    He said that 100 suspected cases have been recorded out of which three have died.

    “As at 20th of January 2023 we we have recorded 100 suspected cases from 13 local government areas.

    ”Ungogo, Nassarawa, Bichi, Dala, Dawakin Tofa, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Kiru, Rano, and Gwarzo.

    ”Out of the 100 suspected cases, eight were confirmed, while we are awaiting more results.

    “We have lost three lives among the eight confirmed cases.”

    Tsanyawa said currently 27 patients were on admission receiving treatment while 41 have been managed and discharged.

    The commissioner noted that on the Jan. 10, the public Health Emergency operation center received a report of suspected case of Lassa fever from Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano.

    He said that a team was deployed to investigate, sample was taken for laboratory test and three days later the result turned positive for Lassa fever.

    “10 samples were taken from the high-risk contacts of the index case, 3 become positive making a total of 4 cases which is currently managed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital isolation center,”Tsanyawa said.

    The commissioner maintained that Kano state government had activated Kwanar Dawaki isolation center for isolating the Lassa fever cases.

    He added that medical personnel have been trained and transferred to the isolation center where drugs and consumables were propositioned and is fully functional.

    He pointed out that the state would conduct a Routine immunisation campaign to the affected local government areas.

  • Nigerians placed on alert as new disease scare hits Lagos, Kano

    Nigerians placed on alert as new disease scare hits Lagos, Kano

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed Nigerians on alert, following response to reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano States.

    This is contained in a public health advisory signed by NCDC Director -General, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, issued on Friday.

    The director-general said that the centre is also monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe.

    Adetifa also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria by being vigilant and looking out for symptoms of  the infection.

    The centre further urged Nigerians to ensure that their wards are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the country’s childhood immunisation schedule.

    Adetifa said Kano state has 78 suspected cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection  in 14 local government areas of the state.

    The state government said that 27 samples had been taken to the laboratory out of which eight were confirmed positive and three deaths were registered in the state.

    Adetifa said that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.

    According to the NCDC, the symptoms of diphtheria include; fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis) , and neck swelling.

    “In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing,” he said.

    He said that the agency’s is also monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe states where cases were now being picked up.

    “Data from the Kano State Ministry of Health revealed that the diphtheria outbreak has so far killed 25 people with 58 suspected cases and six persons on admission,” he said.

    The NCDC boss-said in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases, and the NCDC is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

    He said people most at risk of contracting diphtheria are: children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine).

    Ithers, he said, are people who live in a crowded environment, people who live in areas with poor sanitation and healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.

    The NCDC director-general said that diphtheria spreads easily between people through; direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

    “Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria were also advised to isolate themselves and notify the local government area , state disease surveillance officer (DSNO) or the NCDC.,” he said.

  • NCDC confirms 42 new cases of COVID-19

    NCDC confirms 42 new cases of COVID-19

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 42 additional COVID-19 infections in the country in two weeks, with Lagos State recording 27 cases.

    The NCDC made this known via its official website on Sunday, adding that Edo, Kano, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory contributed the remaining figure.

    The health agency said that the new cases brought the country’s total of COVID-19 infections to 266,492.

    It said that the cases were recorded between Dec. 31, 2022 and Jan. 13.

    ”From Dec. 31 to Jan.  6, 13 new confirmed cases have been recorded in Nigeria. The 13 new cases are reported from two states – Lagos (12) and Edo (one),” it said.

    According to the report, the NCDC confirmed that the country recorded 29 new cases from Jan. 7 to  13; and the new cases are reported from, Lagos (15), FCT (five), Kano (four), Nasarawa (three), Kaduna (one) and Plateau (one).

    It also said that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre activated at Level 2, had continued to cordinate the national response activities.

    Meanwhile, the country registered 266,492 COVID-19 confirmed cases, 3,155 deaths, and 259,858 cases had been discharged across 36 states including the FCT.

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA) has continued to advocate for citizens to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

    “If you are yet to be vaccinated, visit the nearest vaccination site to receive your Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and effective,” it said.

  • NCDC issues public health advisory as PSC relaxes COVID-19 safety measures

    NCDC issues public health advisory as PSC relaxes COVID-19 safety measures

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has issued a public health advisory in the country, following the Presidential approval for the relaxation of COVID-19 safety measures and travel advisory.

    The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, on Wednesday in Abuja, told NAN that this was due to the declining cases of COVID-19 and the steady increase in vaccination coverage in the country.

    President Muhammadu Buhari approved the immediate relaxation of COVID- 19 Safety Measures and Travel Advisory, following the recommendations of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) based on Clinical and Laboratory evidence of a sustained reduction in COVID-19 infection/transmission across the country.

    This includes the lifting of COVID-19 protocols for travellers, the compulsory use of face masks in public spaces and restrictions on mass gatherings.

    This is according to Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, PSC on COVID-19.

    Adetifa said that due to recent assessments of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the agency had also transitioned from weekly case announcements for COVID-19 to biweekly situation reports.

    “However, we continue to advise Nigerians to visit the nearest government health facility to get vaccinated if they have not been previously vaccinated.

    Complete your vaccination dose if you are partially vaccinated and get your booster dose for increased immunity.

    “Persons in the high-risk category for severe COVID-19, including hospitalisation are the elderly, those with conditions or on treatments that affect their immune systems.

    Those with hypertension, diabetes and other significant chronic illness are advised to continue to use their facemask in crowded places.

    “Wash your hands with soap under running water frequently or use an alcohol-based sanitiser, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow or a disposable tissue, and get tested for COVID-19 if you notice COVID-19-associated symptoms,” he advised.

    According to him, Self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 until you recover.

    Adhere to the published guidelines for home-based care of mild COVID-19 cases through: https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/media/files/

    The NCDC boss urged Nigerians to fill out the simplified Health Declaration Form (not exclusive to COVID-19) on the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP) before or on arrival in the country.

    “Although no longer a pre-requisite for travel, we recommend filling this simple health declaration form before travel to Nigeria to avoid any additional delays on arrival at our airports,” he said.

    He said that NCDC would continue to maintain surveillance (including genomic surveillance (sequencing) to monitor the COVID-19 trends locally and monitor the global situation to inform public health measures to protect the health of Nigerians.

    He, however, called on Nigerians to ensure taking their COVID-19 vaccinations.

  • Senate investigates budgeting system of NACA

    Senate investigates budgeting system of NACA

    The Senate is investigating the 2021 and 2022 budgeting system used by the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) in preparing its annual budget.

    Sen. Ishaku Abbo, Chairman Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases, made this known on Tuesday when the Director-General NACA, MrvGambo Aliyu, appeared before the committee for 2023 budget defence.

    Expressing his displeasure over the discrepancies in the budgeting system of the agency, Abbo said that putting recurrent items under capital budget was a misnomer.

    Abbo said: “The fact that things have gone wrong for 100 years doesn’t make it to be right. We must change how things are done.

    “How can a board meeting be captured as a capital project. This is not just a discrepancy it is a misnomer. We have to correct this misnomer.

    “The committee will look at it and expunge it. Your capital doesn’t sound capital enough. We understand the importance of your agency,” Abbo said.

    He, however, set up a three-man ad hoc committee to look into the budgeting process of NACA.

    “I’m setting up a three-man ad hoc committee to look at the budgeting processes of NACA and liaise with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Director-General Budget Office.

    “This is so that they will come up with workable and more acceptable way of doing budget for NACA.”

    Abbo said that the ad hoc committee is to be chaired by Sen. Ibrahim Danbaba (PDP-Sokoto). He equally queried the level with which grants and aids received by government agencies were not accounted for.

    “Grants and aids are currently been received by different government agencies on behalf of Nigerians. This is running into billions of naira.

    “Nobody knows what they are doing with it. These agencies are a creation of the law. We must know what they are doing with the loans and grants. They must account for them,” Abbo said.

    He, however, stepped down consideration of the 2023 budget of NACA.

    Efforts to speak with the NACA boss was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, after a closed-door session with Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abbo said that the Senate would ensure adequate budgetary provision for the centre to get a befitting headquarters.

    “We had discussed during the closed-door session, the need for NCDC to get a convenient place for its office.

    “Nigeria must begin to develop health institutions and systems so that we can be prepared for any emergency or pandemic,” he said.