TEN states have so far been affected by the latest outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria. The affected states include Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, plateau, Gombe, and Oyo state. This was stated by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac. F. Adewale, during a press briefing in Abuja. According to the minister, the total number so far reported is 86 and 40 deaths, with a mortality of 43%.
He also noted that laboratories have confirmed 17 cases indicative of a new roundtrip of Lassa fever outbreak. The first case of the current outbreak was reported in Bauchi in November 2015. This was followed by cases reported by Kano, and subsequently the other states mentioned above.
Professor Adewale further stated that in response to these reported outbreaks, the Federal Ministry of Health has taken the following measures to curtail further spread and reduce mortality among the affected: immediate release of adequate quantities of ribavirin, the specific anti-viral drug for Lassa fever to all the affected states to assist in investigating and verifying cases as well as tracing of contacts; clinicians and relevant health care workers had been sensitized and mobilized in areas of patient management and care in the affected states, affected states have been advised to intensity awareness creation on the signs and symptoms including preventive measure such as general hygiene .
He also stressed that Nigeria has the capability to diagnose Lassa fever , noting that due to the non-specific nature of the fever symptoms and varied presentations, clinical diagnose is often difficult and delayed, especially in the early course of the disease outbreak .
“In view of the major steps taken so far and the need to interrupt transmission in the communities and our health facilities urgently. It is important that I advise that the public is sensitized immediately using electronic and materials were distributed to all states, particularly the affected areas for effective health promotion to enhance good ‘community hygiene’ including food hygiene and food protection practices,” he said.
He further enjoined family members and health care workers to always be careful and avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons with symptoms similar to those listed for Lassa fever and any such patricians to be taken to nearest health facility.
“All health facilities in the country are hereby directed to emphasize routine infection prevention and control measures, and ensure that all patients are treated free,” he stressed.