Since the beginning of 2018, no fewer than 107 cases of suspected Lassa Fever have been recorded in 10 states including Edo, Bauchi, Kogi, Imo, Lagos, Ondo, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra and Benue.
According to the Lassa Fever outbreak update issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the member of the confirmed new cases of the fever in the country has risen to 61 while not less than 16 deaths have been recorded.
“As a 21st January, 2018, the total member of confirmed cases is 61, with 16 deaths recorded,” the NCDC revealed adding: “Ten (10) health care workers have been infected in four states-Ebonyi, Seven; Nasarawa, one; Kogi, one and Benue, one”.
NCDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu in a statement disclosed that Ebonyi, Ondo and Edo State were worst hit by the acute viral and hemorrhagic illness which is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine and faces.
Dr. Ihekweazu, noted that following the increasing number of Lassa fever cases so far recorded in the country, the NCDC had activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate response to the outbreak on behalf of the federal Ministry of Health.
He added that “Emergency supplies have alos been sent to treatment centres in all affected states”.
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