By Ndidi Chukwu
Following the outbreak of Lassa fever in seven states, the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a statement of an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases, and the need for intensified efforts towards prevention.
The statement issued by NCDC technical assistant communications, Dr. Lawal Bakare, hospitals are encouraged to prepare their response teams to be able to respond to any detected case.
The NCDC official statement on the outbreak said since the dry season in December 2016, seven states; Ogun, Taraba, Nasarawa, Edo, Ondo, Rivers and Plateau, have reported at least one case of Lassa fever, with 19 confirmed cases and 6 deaths.
According to the statement, in the last quarter of 2016, the NCDC commenced the implementation of its Lassa fever preparedness plan ahead of the current dry season to strengthen nationwide capacity to prevent, detect and respond to the anticipated fever cases.
The statement said the “NCDC is working closely with affected states to ensure an appropriate response to these cases. Social mobilization activities and sensitization of health workers are being scaled up.”
The NCDC further advised Nigerians to keep their food safe from rats and rat excreta.
Our correspondent reports that the Lassa fever transmission in healthcare settings can be prevented by strict adherence to universal precautions.
