An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
January 25, 2023
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) registered 77 new Lassa fever cases and six-related deaths between Jan. 9 and Jan. 15.
It stated on Wednesday that the new cases were recorded in 25 local government areas of nine states of the federation.
It added that 33 of the cases were recorded in Ondo State; 25 in Edo; six in Ebonyi; five in Bauchi State; four in Benue and one each in Kogi, Imo, Oyo and Nasarawa State.
Two of the six deaths were each recorded in Edo and Ebonyi, while Bauchi and Imo recorded a death each.
The NCDC stated also that a total of 105 cases and seven deaths had been confirmed in 10 states of the federation.
“In Week Two (Jan. 9 to Jan. 15), the number of new confirmed cases increased from 30 in Week One, 2023 to 77 cases.
“Cumulatively from Week One to Week Two, 2023, seven deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 7.8 per cent, which is lower than the 11.5 per cent rate for the corresponding period in 2022.
“In total for 2023, 10 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 30 local government areas.
“The predominant age group affected is 21 years to 30 years.
“The number of suspected cases decreased, compared to that reported for the corresponding period in 2022. No healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week,’’ it explained.
It advised Nigerians to ensure proper environmental sanitation, keep the environment clean at all times, block all holes to prevent rats from entering the house to prevent Lassa fever.
It also advised proper covering of dustbins and refuse disposal.
“Communities should set up dumpsites very far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes; store foodstuffs in containers that are well covered with tight-fitting lids.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus.
People become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats.
The virus can also be spread through infected bodily fluids. (NAN)
