Lassa Fever Claims 168 Lives in Nigeria as NCDC Intensifies Prevention Measures

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Friday, September 13, 2024. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has claimed 168 lives, including 17 probable deaths, between January and August 2024. With 7,973 suspected cases across 127 local government areas in 28 states, the case fatality rate now stands at 17.1%.

In its latest update, the NCDC confirmed 982 cases of Lassa fever within this period, and 34 healthcare workers have been affected by the virus. The NCDC has ramped up its response to the outbreak, as detailed by its Director General, Dr. Jide Idris.

Dr. Idris outlined several key response efforts, including the 2024 National Lassa Fever After Action Review workshop, a multisectoral webinar series on Lassa fever, and participation in the Lassa Fever Taskforce Secretariat meetings in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

To secure essential political and financial backing, the NCDC has been engaging in high-level advocacy with state governors and commissioners. These efforts are crucial to ensuring sufficient resources are allocated for the outbreak response.

The NCDC's action plan includes intensifying risk communication and community engagement. From September, the agency will broadcast critical prevention messages in local languages on radio and TV stations, ensuring sustained public awareness throughout the peak season.

Moreover, the NCDC is working with states to conduct operational readiness assessments a month before the typical outbreak season. In a bid to reduce the rodent population that contributes to the spread of Lassa fever, the agency has implemented environmental sanitation and deratization programs in five hotspot states. The goal is to significantly curb rodent numbers by October 2024.

To further bolster preparedness, the NCDC is deploying the National Rapid Response Team to assist with early interventions and outbreak management, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to future Lassa fever cases.

Published: September 13, 2024

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