Outbreak of Lassa Fever in Nasarawa, FCT, Threat to Ekiti, Says Commissioner

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Following the outbreaks of Lassa fever in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance to be able to nip in the bud any suspected case in Ekiti State.

The government has also directed healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever while consistently observing standard protocols for infection prevention and control.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, in a statement in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, said that the government has ordered Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to all suspected cases of malaria.

Filani said that the state government remains committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Ekiti people, urging everyone to take personal responsibility to mitigate the spread of this disease within their community.

“On December 14, 2021, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) released a statement confirming the deaths of two persons from Lassa fever. The first case was a pregnant woman who presented in a health facility in Nasarawa State and the next one, a medical doctor involved in the treatment of the patient that later sought medical care in the FCT.

“In addition, another medical doctor linked to the index case has also been confirmed to have Lassa fever making a total of three confirmed cases as at the time of this release.

“Given the risk of this outbreak escalating across the country, especially during this dry season, the state’s Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance activities in the state. State surveillance teams have been

notified at the LGA level on how to quickly identify and report suspected cases.

“And in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.

“The time between infection and the onset of symptoms of the disease is three to 21 days.

“Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances of survival. Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and several other countries in West Africa. Most cases are recorded during the dry season, often between November and May. The outbreak in Nasarawa poses threat to nearby states”.

The commissioner urged members of the public to be aware of the risk of the disease and adhere to the following preventive measures as prescribed by the NCDC, by ensuring proper environmental sanitation, blocking all holes in the house to prevent rats from entering.

“Cover your dustbins and dispose of refuse properly. Store foodstuffs like rice, garri, beans, and corn in containers that are well covered with tight-fitting lids.

“Avoid drying foodstuffs outside on the floor or by the 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 safe means.”