Five New Lassa Fever Cases Confirmed In 4 States

According to a statement by the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, a parastatal of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, two cases were reported from Plateau State, one from Rivers, and one each from Bauchi and Gombe States.

The statement revealed that the case reported from Gombe died on August 22, 2016, while all other cases are alive.

“Five confirmed cases of Lassa Fever were reported from four states of Nigeria within the week August 24 to September 2 (Friday),” the statement read.

“Two cases were reported from Plateau State, one from Rivers, and one each from Bauchi and Gombe. The case reported from Gombe died on 22nd August, 2016, all other cases are alive.

“The public health response commenced immediately in all the affected states under the leadership of the respective state ministries of health. Resources were immediately mobilised from the NCDC and its partner, the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, to support the investigation and management of cases in the affected states.”

Ihekweazu declared that as a result of increasing number of cases, the NCDC was therefore issuing an advisory to all states, reminding them of the steps they have to take to prepare and respond to cases of Lassa fever and other haemorrhagic fevers, as well as the resources that they can access for this.

He added that the Center would continue to keep all channels of communication open for information, verification and reporting on Lassa fever and other disease emergencies.

“The Centre’s 24/7 toll-free line can be reached via 0800-970000-10; and the twitter account handle @NCDCgov, and Facebook page @nigeriacdc are always available for inquiry and updates,” he said.

Story by David Oputah