Abuja – Reports from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country recorded 857 cases of Lassa fever with 164 total deaths since the beginning of the year.
The centre confirmed this in a report obtained in Abuja on Sunday.
It stated that as of July 24, 2022, Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states accounted for 70 per cent of the total number of cases of Lassa fever recorded.
Ondo, Edo and Bauchi recorded 30 per cent, 26 per cent, and 14 per cent respectively,the report said.
It also revealed that between July 18 and 24, new confirmed cases of Lassa fever increased from five to 10 from the previous week.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 29, 2022, 164 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 19.1 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.7 per cent).
“In total for 2022, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 99 Local Government Areas.
“Of all confirmed cases, 70 per cent are from Ondo (30 per cent), Edo (26 per cent), and Bauchi (14 per cent) states.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, median age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. One new Healthcare worker affected in Ondo State.
“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” the report said.
To reduce the risk of the spread of Lassa fever, the NCDC advised Nigerians “ensure proper environmental sanitation – that is, keep your environment clean at all times, block all holes in your house to prevent rats from entering; Cover your dustbins and dispose of refuse properly.
“Communities should set up dumpsites very far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes; Store foodstuff like rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc in containers that are well covered with tight-fitting lids.
“Others are – Avoid drying foodstuffs outside on the floor, roadside where they will be exposed to contamination; Avoid bush burning which can lead to the displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings; Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other means; Practice good personal hygiene by frequent washing hands with soap under running water or use of hand sanitisers when appropriate, and visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever as mentioned earlier, and avoid self-medication.” (vitalnewsngr.com)
