The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said the country may have recorded more incidents of Lassa fever in 2023 compared to previous years.
According to the agency, the increasing cases of the disease, resulting in approximately 200 deaths in 2023, including health workers, have intensified the challenge of inadequate human resources for health in the country.
The agency, in a Lassa fever advisory posted on its website on Sunday and signed by the Director General (DG), Ifedayo Adetifa, stated: “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1%) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases”.
However, the agency highlighted that its enhanced detection and response strategies have contributed to its comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.
It reads in part: “Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country.
“We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not
limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment.
“In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1067 confirmed cases across 27 States and 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1%) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.
“Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever also involve the infection and death of healthcare workers.
“This loss of life is not just a statistic but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare worker and team member.
“This exacerbates the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.
“Now that the dry season is here, the NCDC’s Lassa Fever TWG has implemented strategic
measures to enhance coordination, collaboration, and communication, enhancing preparedness and readiness for potential surges in Lassa fever cases.
These measures include: Conducting biweekly National TWG meetings to improve preparedness, readiness, and response activities for control and management of Lassa fever using a One Health approach.
“Joint alert with the cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) TWG was sent to States to guide state-
level preparedness, readiness, and response activities in Lassa fever and CSM.
“Capacity building of some healthcare workers across all the geopolitical zones on Lassa fever preparedness, readiness, and response through the pilot Lassa fever clinical management fellowship.
“Conducting a bi-weekly Lassa fever webinar series on topics covering the different pillars of the TWG (case management, surveillance, IPC, Risk communication, logistics, etc.) to get all actors in control and management of Lassa fever ready for the predicted surge in confirmed case numbers.
“Prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention, and control, laboratory diagnosis, etc. in all Lassa fever treatment centres in the country.
“An update of the national incident action plan (IAP) to take on board lessons from the last outbreak and findings from the recently concluded surge preparedness workshop.
“Publishing weekly situation reports for Lassa fever in Nigeria to guide decision-making and
foster further collaboration across different sectors”.
The agency, however, advised the public to take preventative steps against the disease to always keep their environment clean; block all holes in their house to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents; and cover their dustbins, and dispose of refuse properly.
Furthermore, the communities are advised to set up dump sites far from their homes to reduce the chances of the entry of rodents into their homes, in addition, to safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc, in tightly sealed or well-covered containers; and practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers when necessary.
Healthcare workers were also advised to always practice standard infection prevention and control practices, by using gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment while handling patients or providing care for an ill patient, among other steps.
