×

Five New Cases of Lassa Fever Discovered In Four States

Five more cases of Lassa Fever have been reported in four states in Nigeria, increasing chances that the disease could spread further. Confirming the new … Continue reading Five New Cases of Lassa Fever Discovered In Four States


Ogun State Declares 396, Others Free Of Lassa Fever
File Photo

Lassa feverFive more cases of Lassa Fever have been reported in four states in Nigeria, increasing chances that the disease could spread further.

Confirming the new cases, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that two cases were reported from Plateau State, one from Rivers, and one each from Bauchi and Gombe. They all occurred between August 24 to September 2.

The individual with the Lassa fever in Gombe died on August 22 while others are still alive.

According to the agency, public health response has commenced in all the affected states under the leadership of the respective state’s Ministries of Health.

“Resources were immediately mobilised from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and its partner, the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP), to support the investigation and management of cases in the affected states,” the agency said in a statement.

lassa fever
Natal multimammate mouse is the primary animal host of the Lassa virus

The Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, stressed the need for early detection of the disease and reporting of the cases.

“We commend the early detection and reporting of the most recent cases, as it significantly improves the likelihood of survival for the cases and also reduces the risk of further transmission. We also urge all States to report cases immediately for Lassa fever while improving on the timeliness of their reporting generally,” Dr. Ihekweazu stated.

As a result of increasing number of cases of Lassa fever, the NCDC also issued 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.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control further reiterated its commitment to supporting the States to prevent the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Virus Spreads To Human

Lassa fever fresh cases resurfaced on August 22, with Delta State recording the death of a medical doctor.

After his death, several other persons have been placed under surveillance in different states, with sensitisation campaigns also increasing.

The virus spreads to human from rodents and it is then shed in their excreta (urine and feces), which can be aerosolised.

In fatal cases, Lassa fever is characterised by impaired or delayed cellular immunity leading to fulminant viremia.

Infection in humans typically occurs by exposure to animal excrement through the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts.

Inhalation of tiny particles of infectious material (aerosol) is believed to be the most significant means of exposure.

It is possible to acquire the infection through broken skin or mucous membranes that are directly exposed to infectious material.

Transmission from person to person has also been established, presenting a disease risk for healthcare workers.