Nigeria has launched an emergency response following a surge in Lassa fever cases, which has resulted in 190 fatalities this year. The viral disease, which is typically spread through direct contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or droppings, has infected over 1,150 people across six states in the country. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) announced that due to the high risk posed by the outbreak, they have activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to handle the situation. Jide Idris, the head of the NCDC, emphasized that while the disease is present year-round, it tends to peak during the dry season between October and May, when human exposure to rodents increases. He added that the response centre would facilitate efficient coordination to manage the outbreak effectively.
Lassa fever, which is also transmissible through bodily fluids from infected individuals, presents with symptoms such as fever and headaches, and can be fatal in severe cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the disease as a priority due to its potential to cause epidemics and the lack of approved vaccines. Although the virus is present throughout the year, it is most active during the dry months, when the likelihood of human contact with infected rodents rises. In response to the growing threat, the Nigerian government and the NCDC are working together to control the outbreak. The efforts include raising awareness about the importance of hygiene, rodent control, and safe handling of food to reduce the risk of infection.
Despite these efforts, Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria. The absence of a vaccine for the disease makes it difficult to completely prevent transmission, placing additional pressure on healthcare systems to manage the increasing number of cases. Health authorities are stressing the need for continued vigilance and are urging the public to report any suspicious cases of fever or symptoms of Lassa fever immediately. The emergency operations centre will focus on monitoring the outbreak, offering medical care to those affected, and implementing strategies to contain the spread. This response comes at a critical time, as Nigeria faces the challenge of managing multiple health threats, and the lack of an effective vaccine only heightens the need for swift and coordinated action.
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