Lassa Fever Kills 40 In 10 States

Nigerian Minister for Health, Isaac Adewole says about 40 persons have died as a result of the outbreak of lassa fever, while a total case of about 86 people have so far been reportedly affected with virus.

Although Adewole asked the populace not to panic over the viral disease, he announced that 10 states had so far experienced it in the last six weeks.

In November past year, 270 Lassa fever cases were reported from 12 states, according to data from health officials.

Seven of the affected states are in the north – Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Plateau and Gombe – while the remaining three are in the south – Rivers, Edo and Oyo – he added.

The Commissioner further said that his ministry has strengthened monitoring and surveillance on the affected communities in Fuka Ward, Muyan Local Government Area of the state.

“Family members and healthcare workers are advised to always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

Clinicians and relevant health workers had been sensitised and mobilised in areas of patient management and care in the affected states, as well as intensifying awareness creation on the signs and symptoms, including preventive measures such as general hygiene”.

“Lassa Fever is a zoonotic disease, which means that humans become infected by contact with infected animals”.

The minister also urged the public to prevent the spread of lassa fever by not spreading foods along the road, keeping food in tightly sealed containers, wearing protective clothing such as masks, gloves, gowns and goggles when caring for patients with lassa fever, and avoiding contact with lassa fever patients secretions. These include fever, retrosternal pain (pain behind the chest wall), sore throat, back pain, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, proteinuria (protein in the urine), and mucosal bleeding.

Lassa fever is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

The government said Lassa fever could be treated as antiviral drugs had been used successfully to treat the fever, saying that the earlier a person presents, the better the outcome of treatment.