NCDC, SAYS IT WILL INTENSIFY IT’S EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT LASSA FEVER OUTBREAK IN NIGERIA 23-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, says it will intensify its efforts to address the current Lassa Fever outbreak in Nigeria.
At a media briefing in Abuja on the current update of the disease, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris said that Nigeria had recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed cases, and 190 deaths in 2024.
Dr. Jide Idris further expressed concern that the case fatality rate had consistently remained high at over 13 percent and called for urgent interventions targeting high-burden states, including Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi.
He mentioned some of its proactive responses to include heightened surveillance, critical medical supplies, laboratory diagnostic tools and materials distributed to various states nationwide.
“The EOC was activated to ensure seamless coordination of Lassa fever control and management activities using One Health Approach.”
“Lassa fever testing laboratories have also been expanded from about 9 to 13 and more will still be upgraded.”
Dr. Idris therefore advised citizens and healthcare workers to practice standard infection and control techniques as well as maintain clean hygiene especially during the festive period.