FG Warns Nigerians Against Lassa Fever

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says Nigerians need not panic over the rising cases of Lassa fever because it has initiated measures in response to the disease in the country.

The advice was expressed in a statement on Wednesday by the Chief Executive Officer, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu in Abuja. He said that in preparation for this year’s emergency phase, NCDC had been providing support to states, including emergency supplies and deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT).

Ihekweazu  said that the RRTs would work with states in response coordination, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and strengthening infection prevention and control practices.

“Recent epidemiological data shows that Lassa fever usually occurs during the dry season, between January and April, and according to him, as at Jan. 13, about 60 confirmed cases were reported in eight states.

”Given this increase in reported cases of Lassa fever, the NCDC has declared this an outbreak and activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response,” he said.

Ihekweazu, therefore, advised members of the public to focus on prevention by practicing good personal hygiene and proper environmental sanitation.

”Take effective measures by storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households, and other measures to discourage rodents from entering homes.”Hand washing should be practiced frequently. The public is also advised to avoid bush burning.

”Health care workers are again reminded that Lassa fever presents initially like any other disease causing febrile illness such as malaria.

”Healthcare providers are advised to practise standard precautions at all times, and to maintain a high index of suspicion.”

Ihekweazu advised that Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) must be applied to all suspected cases of malaria.

”When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness including Lassa fever should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increases the chances of survival.

Ihekweazu said the national guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control, as well as Lassa fever case management have been developed are available on the NCDC website for download.