Three killed by Lassa fever in Kano, 292 on watch list

[Edoman]

Three killed by Lassa fever in Kano, 292 on watch list






The recent Lassa fever outbreak has also claimed some lives in Kano State as three people have been confirmed dead while 292 persons who had contact with the late victims of the disease are on the state's health watch list. 
 
Kano's Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa who confirmed the outbreak in a press conference on Wednesday January 22, said two doctors and a patient believed to be the first victim died in the recent outbreak. 
 
He further disclosed that 292 persons who had contact with the late victims are closely being monitored so as to quickly quarantine those who show symptom of the disease and also to contain its spread. 
 
The Nation reported that the first victim of the recent outbreak in the state is a 28-year-old pregnant woman from Gwale LGA who fell sick two weeks after the death of her mother. She was referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital from a private hospital but died on January 1, 2020.
 
The general public has been urged to avoid poorly cooked meat, avoid contact with suspected or confirmed cases or items soiled by them and to report any suspected case to a health facility nearest to them.

[Edoman]

Lasser fever: Panic as Edo, Bauchi record 179 fresh cases
•One dies, 50 placed under watch in Rivers •States firm up emergency responses
January 25, 2020

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Osagie OTABOR, Benin; David ADENUGA, Bauchi; Nwanosike ONU,Awka; Duku JOEL, Damaturu; Augustine OKEZIE, Katsina

 

MORE states embarked on drastic measures on Friday to check the Lassa fever outbreak in some parts of the country from spreading.

Edo State said 76 residents tested positive to the virus out of    175 suspected cases while Bauchi confirmed three new cases with 15 people under observation.

“A total of 76 suspected cases of Lassa fever were confirmed yesterday (Thursday) in the state and they are currently on admission in the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital,” Edo Health  Commissioner Patrick Okundia, said at  a Lassa fever committee meeting, chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu.

He added: “We have not recorded any new death but have also reduced our case fatality rate to less than 10 per cent.

“The number of cases in the ward now is 34, and we have discharged over 28 patients that have been fully treated and cured.”

The death toll remains eight.

Shuaibu directed all hospitals across the 18 local government areas of the state to refer all suspected cases to Irrua Specialist Hospital and isolation centres.

“Ministries of environment, agriculture, education, information, and other relevant ministries should also step up in the area of public awareness of the people,” he said.

“The 18 local government councils of the state should call for an emergency meeting, which will include private health practitioners for the purpose of early referral.

It was gathered that health officials were deployed to border communities to help prevent the spread of the disease.

The Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Musa Ebomhiana, told reporters at the end of the meeting that the state government had approved the deployment of three ambulances to help in conveying patients to Lassa fever centres.

Additional centres are to be provided in Auchi and Benin City.

Musa said the state government also agreed to buy two additional dialysis machines to complement the one at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

Three  fresh  cases recorded in Bauchi

The Executive Secretary Bauchi State  Primary Health Care Development Agency,  Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, announced yesterday  that there were  three  fresh  cases of Lassa fever in the state.

15 people suspected of carrying the virus  are  under observation, he told reporters in Bauchi.

He  said  samples of the tests conducted on the  15 suspected cases have been sent to the National Disease Control Center in Abuja for authentication.

He, however, said that there is no record of any death in the state since the outbreak.

He traced the origin of the current challenge in the state to a Kano resident who  “came back to Bauchi to see her family and stayed for some days in Bauchi for some time and later traveled to a village in Toro LGA.

“So she went there and that was where the infection started but I don’t want to say anything more because as an epidemiologist, I don’t talk about what didn’t happen here in Bauchi. But the initial stage of the infection was Toro LGA.”

The Executive Secretary,  Mohammed lamented that  some children in a village in the state were  also seen selling rats for N100  saying the development will further increase the spread of the laser fever in the state if care is not taken.

Lassa fever fear grips Anambra

The Anambra State government  on Friday announced the setting up of an emergency response unit to deal with any Lassa fever case.

But there is no reported case  for now, according to Health  Commissioner,  Vincent Okpala.

He said there was no cause for alarm as government was ready to handle any Lassa fever infection.

He said Lassa fever remained a major public health challenge in West Africa with Nigeria bearing the highest burden., adding that more cases were recorded during the dry season i.e. November through May.

The commissioner spoke to reporters in Awka.

“We are at alert and fully prepared to respond to any outbreak of Lassa fever in the state. We have investigated and will continue to investigate rumors of outbreaks,” he said.

Yobe increases risk alertness level

Yobe State is increasing risk alertness level across the state, Health  Commissioner,  Lawan Gana Yusufari told The Nation.

He said his ministry,   in collaboration with other relevant ministries, has heightened the “risk alertness level” against Lassa fever in the state.

The commissioner  said all hands have to be on the deck in the state because of its proximity to Kano and Borno where cases of Lassa fever have been recorded.

His words:”In Yobe State, we don’t have any outbreak of Lassa fever at the moment. Not even a suspected case.

“We are not praying for one at all. But as you know, we have the outbreak in Kano and Borno State.

“We have however heightened out risk alertness level.

“We have started our response preparedness. As am talking to you now, we are having a meeting to strengthen our preparedness on the Lassa fever virus. We are going to launch a massive awareness creation across the state and raise the level of reportage on any suspected case in the rural communities

“We are also going to embark on the training of rural health educators. We have always had these measures in place but what we are doing now is to raise more awareness through a re-jigged mechanism since the virus is coming closer to us.”

Zulum propels Borno’s emergency response team

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State   has asked  health professionals in the state to ensure the full containment of Lassa fever so that it  does not spread beyond the lone  case so far established.

Zulum also directed that special attention be accorded to government controlled camps and host communities associated with forced migration of internally displaced persons.

Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, said in a statement that the governor had called for briefing by the state’s Commissioner of Health and Human Resources, Dr Salisu Kwayabura, who gave assurance that the standing emergency response team had already been activated and there was no cause for alarm.

The team comprises the health commissioner as chairman, the chief medical director of the hospitals management board, an infection prevention group at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, officials of the World Health Organization, the UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Also in the response team are key officers in the state Ministry of Health, among them the Permanent Secretary, Executive Director of Primary Healthcare, the Incident Manager of a public health emergency operations centre, officers in charge of disease surveillance and notification and five directors in charge of public health, emergency response, medical services, nursing services as well as planning, research and statistics.

Zulum assured the commissioner that he will make available whatever was required as part of measures to guarantee the safety of public health across Borno State.

Katsina on highest alert level, says govt

The Katsina State Government yesterday declared that it had activated its strategic alert level in anticipation of any possible spread  of Lassa fever.

Health Commissioner  Nuhu Yakubu Danja told reporters in Katsina  that although the state is yet to record any case of Lassa fever,it was imperative to put in place  proactive measures to address any emergency health situation

He listed some of the proactive strategies to include constitution of standby special team on infectious disease, establishment of isolation centers for laboratory testing of suspected cases, embarking on drug procurements for the treatment of potential patients

Other measures include embarking on sensitization campaign through clerics, traditional rulers and community heads to raise the awareness level on causes and symptoms of the disease

The gernment is also taking measures to screen people entering the states particularly from neighboring Kano and other states as well other preventive measures and campaigns

He said ”we are liaising with Islamic and religious leaders to spread the awareness campaigns in churches and mosques and other stakeholders ,even at the rural and community levels to educate them on basic hygiene and environmental sanitation.”

The commissioner further acknowledged that though the state is yet to receive assistance from the Federal Government on the Lassa fever epidemic, it has gone ahead to draw up  work plans where it had itemized requirements and gone ahead with the procurement of basic equipment to prevent spread.

He further disclosed that the ministry of health through the Primary Health Care Development Agency, PHCDA, is working closely with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NSCDC, and colleagues from affected states

 

Osun gives marching order to LGs on grassroot sensitization

The Osun State government directed all local governments, local council development areas and administrative offices to immediately begin   grassroots sensitization of residents  on preventing   Lassa fever.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Pharmacist Olasiji Olamiju, conveyed the directive during an urgent meeting  with  the council chairmen in Osogbo yesterday.

Olamiju said the move was sequel to the spread of the disease in some states of the federation, including   neighbouring Ondo State where about 19 victims have reportedly died of the disease and many others on the danger list.

He said:”Part of the measures that should be reiterated to the people is the need to keep our environment clean, with a view to keeping  rats far away from houses and ensure that we always wash our hands.

“The health of the people is paramount to the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola and he wants every hand on the deck to ensure that the people of the state do not fall victim of the deadly disease.”

[Edoman]

Bauchi state records three Lassa fever cases







Bauchi State has recorded three new cases in the recent outbreak of Lassa fever across the country. 
 
The Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed who confirmed this on Friday January 24, said the state has been on high surveillance after the disease claimed some lives in Kano State including some health workers. 
 
He however admitted that some health workers in the state are frightened due to recent outbreak. Mohammed said; 
 

“This year, we have 15 suspected cases of Lassa fever – three confirmed cases out of the suspected … One thing that is giving us concern is no vaccine for it, we have only treatment of the contact and prophylaxis for the contact and then treatment of cases.
“So, doctors are afraid, and the nurses are also afraid but there is what we call universal safety precaution.
“Unless you touch this patient, unless you touch the secretion; so you have to wear your gloves, you have to make sure that you protect yourself from contact with the secretion."

 
Though no death has been recorded in Bauchi state, it was learnt that the disease was prevalent in three local governments; Bauchi, Toro, and Tafawa Balewa.
 
 

[Edoman]

Lassa Fever: 29 dead, 195 infected across Nigeria – NCDC gives update

 January 25, 2020


The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on Saturday, announced that it had activated a National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate response activities on Lassa Fever.


The National EOC includes representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment, World Health Organization, UNICEF, US Centers for Disease Control, and other partners.

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, NCDC DG, in a statement, said as at 24th of January, 195 confirmed cases and 29 deaths had been reported in 11 states.

Of the confirmed cases, 89% are from Ondo, Edo and Ebonyi States.

“Over the last three weeks, NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to support five of the affected states”, the agency said.

“The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire led a high-level delegation to Kano State on the 25th of January 2020, following the deaths of two health workers infected with Lassa fever.

“In addition, NCDC has rapidly increased risk communications and community engagement activities to ensure that Nigerians are aware of the risks of Lassa fever and measures to protect themselves.

“There has been a decline in the case fatality rate of reported Lassa fever cases from 23.4% in 2019 to 14.8% this year. NCDC continues to support treatment centres across states in the country to effectively manage Lassa fever cases.

“In addition, five laboratories in Nigeria have the capacity to diagnose Lassa fever in Nigeria. These laboratories are critical to reducing turnaround time between identifying a suspected case and confirmation.



“

[Edoman]

Lassa Fever: Enugu Govt Denies Remoured Death Of Nurse

Advises residents not to panic

... Elaborates on precautionary measures

The Enugu State Government has dispelled the rumour making the rounds that one of the nurses that treated the patient who died of Lassa fever has also dead.

Reacting to the rumor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, said that the information was false, unfounded and misleading.

Dr. Agujiobi advised the public, especially residents of the state, not to panic but go about their normal duties.

He stated that the health ministry will continue to ensure that universal health precautions are strictly observed".

The permanent secretary disclosed that the state Ministry of Health has constituted a MULTI SECTORAL Rapid Response Team charged with the responsibility of containing and mitigating against the deadly Lassa fever menace.

He further disclosed that "the death toll in Enugu has remained just one and by God's grace, all the people that had direct and indirect contact with the index case have been line-listed and are being monitored".

Dr. Agujiobi added that blood samples of all those (23 persons) who had direct contact with the dead patient have been collected for hematological investigations.

The permanent secretary maintained that "the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing everything possible to ensure that this dreaded viral disease is well controlled".

Dr. Agujiobi stressed that "the state government is poised in leaving no stone unturned to having a healthy Enugu State".

He also enjoined residents of the state to disregard any information that does not emanate from state ministries of health and information as well as the Federal Ministry of Health.

Elaborating on the precautionary measures, the permanent secretary said: "All hospitals in the state have been told to be on the watch out and to make use of all protective and preventive measures.

"Bush burning should be discouraged for now. We should avoid garbage and refuse close to the house to dispel rats and other rodents and ensure that all food stuffs are properly covered. Canned drinks, bottled/ soda water should be properly washed before drinking.

"All schools are encouraged to observe basic hand washing hygiene and use sanitizers.

"The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has equally supported the state with some commodities and the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing everything possible to ensure that this dreaded disease is well controlled".

https://punchng.com/lassa-fever-enugu-govt-dispels-rumour-of-nurse-death

[Edoman]

Lassa Fever: FMC Management Says No One Died Of Lassa Fever In Ogun



Contrary to the report from some sections of the media (Punch not included ) that a 26-year-old pregnant woman has died of Lassa fever at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, the hospital management has refuted the claim.

The Head of Clinical Services, FMC, Abeokuta, Dr Fedelis Ojeblenu stated this on Sunday in a reaction to the media reports quoting the Director of Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mr. Segun Orisajo who reportedly confirmed that one person died as a result of Lassa fever.

Orisajo was said to have confirmed that a 26-year-old woman, Titilayo Akinsola had lost her life to the disease on Saturday.

He was also reported to have stated that Akinsola died on Saturday after failed attempts by the medical team of the hospital to save her life.

But, the Head of Clinical Services faulted the report, saying, no one died of Lassa fever in the hospital.

He, however, confirmed that there was a case of a pregnant woman who has been confirmed of having Lassa fever in the hospital.

Oblenu in a statement sent to our correspondent on Sunday, said "we have a confirmed Lassa fever case in the hospital.

He said one person died at the Accident and Emergency unit in the hospital, but, not of Lassa fever.

He said the PRO was misquoted by the media, adding that the death that was reported was as a result of Dengue fever.

According to him, the death that occurred was as a result of Dengue fever while the pregnant woman with Lassa fever case had been transferred to a specialist hospital in Irrua Teaching Hospital, Edo State.

He said " Dengue fever is one of the haemorrhagic fevers with symptoms that are similar to those of Lassa, but is quite different in so many respects.

" A pregnant lady admitted four days ago. The other suspected case that died in A/E on Thursday,23rd is dengue Fever.

"The said lady has been transferred to Irrua teaching hospital on Saturday(Initially planned for FMC Owo).

"Surveillance tracing of all possible contacts especially our staff has commenced, while appropriate measures of containment and prevention are being put in place.

"The Infection control committee has already sent out reminders on standard precautionary practices. "

Meanwhile, some patients and their relatives have expressed fear over the rumoured death of a victim of Lassa fever at the hospital.

PUNCH had exclusively reported a fresh Lassa fever outbreak in the state on Friday.

However, an early Sunday morning visit to the hospital revealed that some patients and their relatives were apprehensive over the development.

Some of the relatives who spoke with our correspondent expressed fear that they might take their ill-persons away from the hospital.

Reacting to the implication of the report, the head of clinical services, said the clarification became necessary to avoid apprehension among the people.

He said "There is need to avoid panic and anxiety amongst staff and patients while all possible contacts are enjoined to cooperate with the epidemiologists and other personnel to successfully manage the situation.

https://punchng.com/no-one-died-of-lassa-fever-in-ogun-says-fmc-management/

[Edoman]

Kogi Hospital confirms 3 cases of Lassa Fever and 1 death






The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, Kogi State's capital on Sunday January 26 confirmed three cases of Lassa fever and one death in its facility. 
 
FMC Lokoja's Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bernard Ododo said 3 patients tested positive while one death was recorded after 5 suspected cases were reported. 
 
Ododo said; 
 

”Five suspected cases reported at the hospital in the last one week, three already tested positive, of which one died.
”Two cases already transferred to Lassa Fever Management Center at Irua Specialist Hospital in Edo State.
”Two others (of which one has died) have their results awaited from NCDC Laboratory in Abuja."

 
He urged members of the public to maintain high hygienic principles, keep rodents away from their residence and foodstuff materials.
 
Residents of the state were asked to seek medical attention for fever, headache, sore throat, vomiting, joint pain, abdominal pain and bleeding from body orifices.
 
Health workers were also advised to imbibe precautionary measures to protect themselves against the disease. Ododo said; 
 

”For health caregivers, universal safety precaution is key. Wash hands with sanitizers, glove and kitting on personal protection equipment kit (PPE) are necessary.
”But first is to uphold a high index of suspicion while clerking patient with likely Lassa fever signs and symptoms on arrival to the hospital .
”Treatment is more effective if detected early and treatment commenced immediately.
”Lassa is highly infectious and contagious, everyone must beware."

 
 

[Edoman]

Nasarawa records first case of Lassa fever







Nasarawa state has recorded its first case of Lassa Fever in the recent outbreak ravaging the country. 
 
Speaking to newsmen in Lafia on Monday January 27, the state's commissioner of health Mr Ahmed Yahaya said the patient who is a resident of Mararaba Gurku in Karu Local Government Area was diagnosed with the disease which was confirmed by doctors at Garki General Hospital, Abuja.
 
He also disclosed that a team of health workers have been deployed to the community to monitor and possibly quarantine those who had contact with the patient to contain the spread of the disease. 
 
The health commissioner who urged residents of the state to ensure good environmental hygiene and keep rodents away from their foods, said health centers in the state are prepared to handle and curtail the spread of the disease in the state.
 
He said; 
 

“We are aware of the outbreak and have taken measures by deploying doctors and tools to ensure we curtail further spread of the diseases."

[Edoman]

Four die of Lassa fever in Taraba







Taraba State government has confirmed the death of 4 persons in the recent Lassa fever outbreak. 
 
The state's commissioner of health, Dr Innocent Vakkai who confirmed this on Monday January 27 said the late residents of the state were among the 5 people who tested positive after 15 persons were subjected to a medical test for the disease. 
 
Vakkai disclosed that the surveillance system for more case detection and proper treatment has been activated by state government after most of the suspected cases were found to have come from six local government areas in the state; Bali, Gashaka, Gassol, Ardo-Kola, Jalingo and Ibi.
 
The Commissioner said they've launched a campaign to create awarnness and enlighten residents of the state on symptoms of the disease. He also revealed that the difficult terrains of the state have led to late reporting of patients to hospitals. 

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[Edoman]

Osun state records two cases of Lassa fever







Osun State has recorded two cases of Lassa fever as confirmed by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu and the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Health, Dr. Olasiji Olamiju. 
 
The cabinet members who spoke to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday January 27, said adequate measures have been put in place to contain the spread of the deadly disease.
 
Isamotu stated that all hands were on deck to check the spread of the disease as he revealed that the affected persons are currently getting medical treatment at Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife and Ilesa.

[Edoman]

41 killed by Lassa Fever in 19 states - Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire






Nigeria's Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire on Tuesday January 28 disclosed that 41 people have died out the 258 Lassa Fever cases confirmed in 19 states.
 
The Minister of Health who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, stated that the disease is endemic due to Nigeria’s ecological profile.
 
Osagie said it is everyone's responsibility to help curb the spread of the disease as he disclosed that the overall case-fatality rate for 2020 has been just about 15 per cent compared to the same in 2019, which was 20 per cent. 
 
He said; 
 

“Lassa fever is a disease that is indigenous to our country because it occurs every year, particularly in the dry season.
“As of the 28th of January, 2020, 258 confirmed cases and 41 deaths have been reported in 19 states, with a majority of the cases from Ebonyi, Edo and Ondo states.
“Given the tropical climate in Nigeria and the abundance of the disease vectors, the high risk of infectious diseases like Lassa fever is high.
“Despite the increase in confirmed cases, the overall case-fatality rate for 2020 has been just about 15 per cent compared to the same in 2019, which was 20 per cent.
“A few years ago the case fatality rate was over 30 per cent.”

 
Osagie also confirmed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated a National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate responses to the outbreak. 
 
He said; 
 

“The EOC, which was constituted on January 24, includes representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Environment, World Health Organisation, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and other partners.
“While we are gradually moving towards achieving a single-digit fatality rate, we will continue to support response activities like surveillance and contact tracing in affected states through the deployment of rapid response teams for improved case management and outcomes.
“The rapid response teams have so far been deployed to five states – Ebonyi, Enugu, Kano, Borno and Ondo states.
“It is important for health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and practice universal health precautions to protect themselves from infections by using surgical masks, gloves, laboratory coats and aprons.
“Further information on Lassa fever can be obtained from the following number – 08099555577.”

 
He revealed that the Ministry of Health is working tirelessly to strengthen surveillance and response to public health emergencies at points of entry for coronavirus. He added that the risk factor for coronavirus depends largely on air travel volume.
 
Osagie said; 
 

“Nigeria has a moderate risk factor because we do not have the huge air travel volume that other high risks countries have.”

by

[Edoman]

3 killed by Lassa fever in Rivers State






Three people have been confirmed dead in Rivers State in the recent Lassa fever outbreak across the country. 
 
Dr Chinwe Atata, the Acting Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health said they've initiated a proactive method to contain the outbreak.
 
She said at a press briefing on Wednesday January 29; 
 

“We have received preliminary confirmation that three of the samples tested positive to Lassa virus, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre had earlier commenced proactive effort for containment of the outbreak.
”All hands are on deck for facility decontamination, line-listing, presumptive prophylaxis and surveillance to ensure public health safety and security of people.”

 
Atata who called on Rivers State residents to promote good community hygiene and also prevent rodents from entering their homes, said isolation centres have also been setup across teaching hospitals in the State.
 
She added; 
 

”The state has procured large quantities of antiviral agents and isolation centres have been designated and are being setup across the teaching hospitals in state in case of any eventuality, the state government is doing everything to contain the Lassa virus.”

[Edoman]

UNIZIK student confirmed as first Lassa Fever patient in Anambra State






A female student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has been confirmed as the first Lassa Fever Patient in Anambra State. 
 
The student was diagnosed with the disease after being transferred from her school's medical center to Chukwukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH). 
 
Acting CMAC of COOUTH, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ezebialu said the student's specimen which was sent out to Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in Edo State, came back positive.
 
He allayed fears of residents of the state by disclosing that necessary decontamination procedures were taken before the Emergency Response team which has been monitoring the health situation in the state moved the patient to the Virology Centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State. 

[Edoman]

BREAKINGregnant woman dies of Lassa Fever in Katsina
February 5, 2020
 
in News, News Update

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Lassa Fever

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A 26-year-old pregnant woman has died of Lassa Fever in Katsina State, the Government confirmed on Wednesday.

Her 60-year-old relation has also tested positive to the virus.

She is said to be on admission for continuous surveillance.

The Executive Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) Dr Shamsudeen Yahaya disclosed these to newsmen on Wednesday.

He said during an update on the epidemic in his office, seven samples were collected out of which four reported negative, one is still pending for confirmation and two returned positive

He said ’’the pregnant woman died on Sunday, while the other is alive and responding to treatment; there were plans to take the one that is alive to an isolation center in Katsina.

‘’The pregnant woman was vomiting, bleeding and the pregnancy was aborted just before she died.”

He maintained that the history of the travel of the victims indicated that they came into Katsina from Bauchi State.

He said the 4 cases travelled from Bauchi to Kusada Local government area of the state where they reported to the comprehensive General hospital in Kusada complaining of feverish conditions and were subjected to thorough medical examinations

Dr. Shamsudeen also warned citizens of the state to embrace efficient personal hygienic practices including covering their foods, washing their hands and called on health workers to maintain high level of professionalism, report noticed cases for further necessary actions.

[Edoman]

Lassa fever kills four in Kogi






4 deaths out of 9 new cases of Lassa Fever have been confirmed by the Kogi State Ministry of Health. 
 
In a statement released on Sunday February 9, the state's epidemologist Austin Ojotule said they've had a total of 31 suspected cases since the recent outbreak. 
 
Ojotule further revealed that out of the 31 cases, there is one probable case, 17 negative cases, nine confirmed cases and five pending laboratory results. 
 
Out of the 9 confirmed cases, two are from Ibaji local government, two are from Okene, three are from Idah, while Okehi and Igalamela Local Government Areas have one confirmed case each. 
 
A total of 177 contacts have been line-listed and there is an ongoing contact tracing and follow-up. 

[Edoman]

Lassa fever death toll rises to 70 in Nigeria







Lassa fever death toll in the country has risen to 70 as confirmed in a weekly situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said on Tuesday February 11. 
 
The NCDC disclosed that there were 482 suspected cases of the disease with 104 new confirmed cases in the reported week. Eight deaths were also confirmed. 
 

 
In the 5th week of the year, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 104 cases to 109 cases. 4 health workers in Ondo, Delta and Kaduna states were also affected by the disease in the 6th week of the year (which is the reporting week). 
 
The recently reported cases are from 19 states which include Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Delta, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Katsina, Benue, Adamawa, Sokoto and Oyo.
 

 
Nigeria recorded 1708 suspected cases, 472 confirmed cases, four probable cases and 70 deaths from 92 local government areas in 26 states from January 1 to February 9, and the NDCD has placed the case fatality rate (CFR) at 14.8 per cent. 
 

 
Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi have in the last few years been topping Lassa fever charts, leading to speculation among health experts and scientists that the government is not doing enought to curb the disease.
 

[Edoman]

Lassa Fever hits Lagos as govt lists precautions, emergency numbers

 February 19, 
 

Lagos State has recorded one case of Lassa Fever which has also been reported in over 18 States in Nigeria.



Commissioner for Health Prof, Akin Abayomi made the announcement on Tuesday.

He confirmed that the patient is currently in isolation at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).



Abayomi assured that the situation is under control and appealed to residents to be calm.

He said the Lagos government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is doing everything possible to control the spread of Lassa Fever.

“The Ministry of Health through Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health Directorate is currently carrying out ‘contact tracing’ to determine those who may have been infected in line with international standards while we beef up our other surveillance strategies,” he said.



Abayomi reiterated the need for members of the public to ensure and maintain adequate personal hygiene and environmental sanitation at all times as part of prevention and control measures against the spread of the disease in the State

He averred that the prevention and control of the disease remains a shared responsibility of all citizens through observance of the highest possible standards of personal and community hygiene as well as environmental sanitation.

He urged residents to store house-hold refuse in sanitary refuse bags or dust bins with tight-fitting covers to avoid infestation by rats and rodents, dispose of refuse properly at designated dump sites and not into the drainage system and store food items in rodent-proof containers.



He added that it is by so doing that a habitable and conducive environment, and a disease-free State can be achieved.

“Members of the public are further advised to avoid contact with rats, to always cover their food and water properly, cook all their food thoroughly, as well as block all holes in the septic tanks and holes through which rats can enter the house and clear rat hideouts within the premises”, he said.

The commissioner explained that the Lagos State is maintaining relevant surveillance activities through its disease surveillance officers at local government level to prevent the spread of the disease in Lagos.

“Isolation wards have been prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases,drugs and other materials have also been prepositioned at designated facilities while health workers have been placed on red alert and community sensitization activities intensified”, Abayomi noted.

He advised health workers, both in the public and private hospitals in the State to ensure that they observe universal safety precautions and comply with infection prevention and control measures when dealing with patients, stressing that appropriate personal protective equipment like hand gloves, facemasks, goggles and overalls must be worn when attending to cases.

“Hands must be washed often with soap and running water or application of hand sanitizers after each contact with patients or contaminated materials and instruments must be autoclaved. Also hospital mattresses must be covered with plastic sheets to prevent contamination”, Abayomi added.

He stated that a case of Lassa Fever should be suspected in any person with persistent high fever not responding to standard treatment for malaria and typhoid fever or bleeding from body surface.

The Commissioner urged health workers as well as citizens to report suspected case or cases of the disease to the nearest government approved health facility, the Ministry of Health or call the emergency operation centre lines – 08023169485, 08033565529 and 08052817243.

[Edoman]

103 killed by Lassa fever in 16 states







The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Wednesday February 19, revealed that that 103 people have been killed by Lassa fever since its recent outbreak on December 30, 2019. 
 
Late victims of the disease resided in Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Abia, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Sokoto and Katsina.
 
A total of 586 cases have been confirmed across the country. Edo has the highest burden of confirmed cases at 35 per cent, followed by Ondo with 32 per cent and Ebonyi at six per cent. 26 states have also recorded at least one confirmed case across the 101 local government areas in the country. 
 
NCDC's report reads in part; 
 

 “Cumulatively from week one to week 07, 2020, 103 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.6 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2019 (21.1 per cent).
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (range: <1 to 78 years, median age: 33 years). The male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1.2.
“The number of suspected cases has significantly increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2019.”

 

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[Edoman]

Death toll from Lassa fever hits 118 in Nigeria






Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced that 118 people have died from the recent Lassa Fever outbreak in the country. 
 
According to the NCDC, 2633 suspected cases, 689 confirmed cases and 118 deaths have been recorded in the country from January 1 to February 23.  
 
The number of casualties has increased significantly from what was reported for the same period in 2019. At same time in 2019, 1249 suspected cases with 381 confirmed and 83 deaths were recorded. 
 
In NCDC's previous statement, it was gathered that 27 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 115 local government areas.

[Edoman]

Lassa Fever: NCDC confirms 11 new deaths in Nigeria







11 new deaths have been confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in the recent Lassa fever outbreak ravaging most states in the country. 
 
The development brings the total number of death recorded to 132. In its report for week 9, NCDC revealed that out of a total of 421 suspected cases, 85 were confirmed and 11 deaths reported from 30 local governments in nine states.
 

 
The affected states are Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba and Kebbi. From week one to nine, a total of 3054 suspected cases, 775 confirmed cases, nine probable and 132 deaths have so far been reported from 118 local governments in 27 states.
 
Out of the 73 per cent of all confirmed, Edo State has 34 per cent, Ondo State, 32 per cent and Ebonyi State has 7 per cent of the cases.
 
 

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