Lassa Fever Alert: Cases Continue To Rise Across Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), disclosed on Sunday, that the cases of Lassa Fever have risen to 4,632 with 102 deaths recorded.

NCDC has warned Nigerians of the possibilities of Lassa fever presenting malaria-like symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough among others.

Ondo State had the highest number of deaths numbering 47, Edo reported 15 deaths, Bauchi 12, Taraba 12, Ebonyi 9, Kaduna 4, Enugu 1, and Nasarawa with two deaths.

Regarding the number of cases, Edo recorded 2,725 cases, Ondo 1,006, Bauchi 164, Ebonyi 143, Nassarawa 79, Taraba 72, FCT 59, Kaduna 53, Delta 50, Plateau 42, Benue 34, Kano 24, Gombe 22, Kogi 17, Lagos 16, Borno 15, Enugu 14.

Others include Jigawa State with 12 cases, Abia 11, Anambra 10, Rivers 10, Imo 9, Adamawa 8, Kwara 4, Yobe four, Oyo four, Cross River four, Bayelsa three, Sokoto three, Ekiti three, Ogun three, Osun three, Katsina two, Kebbi two, Niger one and Zamfara with one case.

The center also disclosed that it had sent letters to states across the country to brief them on the dangers of Lassa fever and the symptoms to look out for.

“Lassa fever initially presents like any other febrile disease such as malaria. its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

“Healthcare workers should maintain a high index suspicion for Lassa fever. Any illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index suspicion for Lassa fever.

“The time between infection and appearance of symptoms of the disease is 6 to 21 days. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances of survival," the NCDC advised.