Lassa fever has resulted in 118 deaths in Nigeria within the first three months of the year. Over 645 cases were reported, revealing an 18.3% fatality rate. Despite efforts to improve sanitation, conditions remain poor in rural areas. The report highlights staffing shortages in treatment centers and an increase in infections among health workers, while delays in seeking medical care persist among patients.
Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever claimed 118 lives in the first quarter of this year. This viral disease, first identified in 1969 in Borno State, is transmitted by rodents and has historically impacted rural areas due to poor sanitation practices in food handling, leading to thousands of fatalities over the years.
Despite extensive awareness campaigns aimed at improving preventive measures, there has been minimal progress in enhancing the environmental conditions necessary to deter rats from accessing households and food supplies in impoverished communities.
From January to March, Nigeria recorded a total of 645 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, resulting in a fatality rate of 18.3%, as stated by NCDC director general Jide Idris. Unfortunately, the nation has seen approximately 100 Lassa fever-related deaths each quarter in recent times.
Among the newly reported cases, over 20 health workers were infected across five of the 33 states affected by the outbreak. Idris noted that treatment centers are experiencing staff shortages, exacerbating the issue, while many patients are delaying medical treatment in favor of self-medication, which is largely ineffective.
The resurgence of Lassa fever in Nigeria underscores critical public health challenges, particularly in rural areas where sanitation issues persist. The rise in fatalities and infections among healthcare professionals highlights the strain on treatment facilities and the need for effective health communication to encourage timely medical intervention. Enhanced public health measures are essential to mitigate the impact of this enduring health crisis.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
