Lassa fever is on the decline in Nigeria. As partners celebrate, they also warn that highest risk remains
The largest Lassa fever epidemic in Nigeria’s history seems to be slowing down as latest report issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed there were only 5 confirmed cases in the epidemiological week that ended on the 15th April 2018.
A look at recently released data showed Nigeria has recorded a decline in new Lassa fever cases for 8 consecutive weeks beginning in mid-February from peak values of about 60-70 cases per week to only 5 per week.
Read more: Is Nigeria losing the war against Lassa fever?
NCDC stated that the feat was achieved through combined efforts of the NCDC, World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal and state Ministries of Health, and all health workers that played critical roles in stemming the tide of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
In March 2018, healthnews.africa reported that the figures published in late February suggested that the disease was getting out of control especially when the number of confirmed cases in January and February exceeded the total number of confirmed cases reported in 2017 – a situation that Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu, WHO Representative to Nigeria, blamed on difficulty with rapid detection.
“The ability to rapidly detect cases of infection in the community and refer them early for treatment improves patients’ chances of survival and is critical to this response,” Alemu said.
But the latest figures showed the efforts of the Nigerian government spearheaded by the NCDC are delivering desired results. NCDC said it coordinating response activities which included the deployment of Rapid Response Teams to the affected States, deployment of supplies to treatment centres, training of hospital staff on how to prevent the transmission of the virus in hospital settings, community education and other activities.
“Federal and State Governments have also improved the facilities to manage cases across the country especially at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo, Federal Medical Centre Owo, Ondo and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi,” NCDC stated.
Despite the achievements recorded, NCDC warned that the highest risk has not passed so it encouraged Nigerians to continue to ensure best hygienic practices, with all health workers maintaining a high index of suspicion in their management of patients.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole added: “Now is not a time to rest on our oars. We will continue to intensify efforts to prevent, detect and respond to Lassa fever and ensure that Nigeria plays a leading role in the global efforts to tackle this disease.”
NCDC noted that prevention of Lassa fever is everyone’s responsibility and prevention relies primarily 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. When symptoms similar to Malaria are noticed, visit the nearest health facility and insist on a rapid diagnostic test from the healthcare workers,” the center stated.
It urged healthcare workers to continue maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever when handling patients, irrespective of their health status.
“Lassa fever should be considered in patients with fever, headache and malaise, in whom malaria has been ruled out with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), especially when patients are not getting better. Health workers should adhere to standard precautions including wearing protective apparels when handling suspected Lassa fever patients,” NCDC stated.