NCDC, WHO, Others Intensify Response to Lassa Fever Outbreak
By Mayowa Adeniran – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and partners led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has continued to intensify response to the current Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria. According toa statement released on Tuesday, the Rapid response teams will remain in the most affected states, while specific response activities including the strengthening of infection prevention practice as well as social mobilisation activities are being intensified. The statement reada further: “In the last reporting week, ending on the 25th March 2018, 18 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported. So far, a total of 394 confirmed cases and 95 deaths have been recorded between January 1st and March 25th. Over the past five weeks, we have had a generally downward trend in new cases. However, surveillance data from previous outbreaks indicate that the typical peak transmission season for Lassa fever has not passed, so it is important to continue to strengthen surveillance and response activities. “NCDC, WHO and all other partners involved in the outbreak continue to intensify response operations especially the continued engagement with affected communities to prevent, recognise and report cases of Lassa fever. ” NCDC and WHO calls on all Nigerians, especially those living in Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi States to continue focusing on prevention. Prevention of Lassa fever relies on promoting good community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering homes. Other effective measures include storing grains and other foodstuff in rodent-proof containers, proper disposal of garbage far from the home, and maintaining clean households. All foods must be cooked thoroughly, and family members should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons. “Lassa fever is a viral infection caused by the Lassa fever virus, primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact, eating food or […]
