Since the onset of the Lassa fever outbreak in December 2016 a total of 194 deaths from 906 reported cases have been recorded according to the Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Dr Joshua Obasanya, Director, Prevention and Programmes Coordination Department, NCDC, made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
The NCDC has also provided assistance to the Lagos State government to support the management and control of the outbreak of the Lassa Fever in the State.
He said that following the confirmation, public health response commenced immediately led by the Lagos State Ministry of Health with support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Obasanya advised members of the public to ensure proper sanitation to discourage rats from entering homes. He advised that foodstuff should be stored in rodent proof containers, garbage disposed properly and far from the home and hand washing practised frequently.
”Healthcare workers are strongly advised to practice universal care precautions, while handling patients at all times, not just when Lassa is suspected,” Obasanya added. He also advised that extra caution should be taken by family members providing care for patients of Lassa fever.
He said that states were encouraged to ensure safe burial practices for patients, who died from Lassa fever. He similarly urged all states to continue to report cases of Lassa fever immediately, while improving on the timeliness of their reporting generally.
Since the onset of the Lassa fever outbreak in December 2016 a total of 689 suspected cases and 113 deaths have been reported with confirmed.
217 cases and 81 deaths as at Week 31 of 2017.
