Five New Cases of Lassa Fever Discovered In Four States

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.
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.