Lassa Fever: Edo Records 240 Cases, 21 Death, Says Dr. Okoeguale

By Raphael Okhiria

The Director of Viral and Emergent Pathogens, Control and Research of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr. Joseph Okoeguale, has disclosed that Edo State recorded 240 positive cases of lassa fever and 21 death between December, 2023 and March this year.

Dr. Okoeguele also revealed that 37.7 million people in 14 West African countries are at the risk of lessa fever infection annually with over 5,000 deaths.

He stated this while delivering a lecture titled University Community Collaboration in Lassa Fever Research: Advancing Diagnostic Capacity and Vaccine Development in Nigeria at the first edition of the College of Medical Science Lecture Series organized by the Edo State University Uzairue, said lassa fever is classified by World Health Organisation (WHO) as a priority disease for research and development.

The guest lecturer, stated that only 20% of those infected are symptomatic while 80% are asymptomatic and do not sick or present themselves for treatment

Dr. Okoeguale who is a consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist said the only way to bring a stop to the scourge of the disease is by prevention and vaccine.

He noted that lassa fever has continued to cause mortalities in all age groups and in both male and female, undiagnosed and unchallenged hence, WHO has recommended centres of excellence in affected region such as Lassa Fever Centre at Kenema General Hospital, Sierra Leone and the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua also known as Institute of Viral And Emergent Pathogens Control And Research.

He added that the number have been increased to five with Federal Medical Center, Owo, FMC Bauchi and FETHA, Abakaliki.

According to him,”Lassa fever outbreak has continued to occur yearly with growing incidence and increasing geographical spread affecting children, pregnant and non pregnant adults in Nigeria”.

“The yearly outbreak of Lassa fever has placed enormous strain on all aspects of the health system in Nigeria and the only way to bring a stop to this scourge of disease is by vaccination and prevention”.

The director of the institute disclosed that the centre is designing trials that would help in developing new drugs and vaccine for lassa fever.

We have built and equipped an ultramodern clinical trial and sequencing centre and we commenced the sequencing not only of the Lassa fever virus, but the Covid-19 and monkey pox virus.

“We have recently received approval by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) to conduct a platform trial of new drugs for Lassa fever.

“We are currently collaborating with the United State Centre of Disease Control George Town and the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control to sustain a clinical fellowship program for the clinical management of Lassa fever and other highly infectious diseases.

In his opening address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Dawood Egbefo said that the gathering is to address a critical issue that impacted not only the community but also the entire nation.

He said Lassa Fever remained a significant public health challenge in Nigeria that affected scountless lives and placing a strain on the healthcare system.

He noted the crucial recognition the vital role that collaboration played in advancing, understanding and responses by bringing together the strength of academic institutions, healthcare providers and local communities to foster innovative solutions that will enhanced diagnostic capabilities and pave way for effective vacuum development.

The Ag VC highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration as Lassa Fever research required input from various fields such as biology, medicine, public health, social sciences in order to fostering a culture of teamwork that can create a holistic approach to the public health challenge.

While extended his gratitude to the Provost College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe for organizing the first lecture series, said the event is not only showcase the dedication and hard work by the university but also highlights that the university is at the forefront of championing the vital principle that public health is indeed a cornerstone of wealth.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Provost College of Medical Sciences Edo State University Uzairue, Dr. Kenneth Atoe said the gathering was to explore a crucial topic that resonate deeply with the institution’s commitment to improving public health and addressing local challenges.

The Ag Provost further stated that the lecture series was aimed to foster dialogue and knowledge shared between researchers, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders; stimulate research and innovations in Lassa Fever diagnosis, treatment and prevention and also to promote evidence-based policy decisions and community led intervention.

Dr. Atoe expressed his sincere gratitude to the Acting Vice Chancellor and his management team for their unwavering support to the College of Medical Sciences saying their commitment to academic excellence and community engagement is evident in the success of the event.

He however recognized that sustainability is key to long term impact and appealed to the university management, stakeholders and partners to continue supporting the initiative by ensuring its continuity and growth.

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