Five cases of Lassa fever confirmed in four states

– The NCDC says the Lassa fever is
spreading fast and has hit four
states in just about two weeks
– It has put states on red alert and
told them to remember all that they
must do to prevent a full-scale
outbreak
– NCDC is however delighted that
the detection of the outbreak was
quick as this will help to stem the
rate of infection





An infected rat is being studied for
Lassa fever infection
The Nigerian Centre for Disease
Control (NCDC) has confirmed five
fresh cases of Lassa fever in four
states in Nigeria.
The agency said the case were
discovered just between the end of
August and September.
READ ALSO: SEE Aisha Buhari
fighting malnutrition (photos, video)
According to Premium Times, the
agency listed the confirmed cases as
two in Plateau state, one each in
Rivers, Bauchi and Gombe states.
“The case reported from Gombe died on
22nd August 2016, all other cases are
alive,” NCDC said in a statement on
Friday, September 2 while also
saying that instant efforts have
commenced immediately in all the
affected states to protect people.
“Resources were immediately mobilised
from the Nigeria Centre for Disease
Control (NCDC) and its partner, the
Nigerian Field Epidemiology and
Laboratory Training Programme
(NFELTP), to support the investigation
and management of cases in the
affected states,” the statement said.
Head of NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu
applauded the early detection
because it would allow room for
adequate protection.
“We commend the early detection and
reporting of the most recent cases, as it
significantly improves the likelihood of
survival for the cases and also reduces
the risk of further transmission.
“We also urge all States to report cases
immediately for Lassa fever while
improving on the timeliness of their
reporting generally”.