Tuesday, December 24, 2024 - The Nigeria Centre
for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public advisory on Lassa
fever, highlighting its continued threat as a significant public health
concern. Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC’s Director General, addressed newsmen on Monday
in Abuja, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures amid a rise in cases
during the peak transmission season.
Idris described Lassa fever as an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused
by the Lassa virus, endemic in Nigeria and transmitted primarily through
contact with the urine, feces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents, especially
the multimammate rat. “It can also spread through person-to-person contact with
infected bodily fluids,” Idris stated.
He stressed the importance of early detection, noting that the disease
often presents initial symptoms similar to malaria, such as fever, headache,
weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
“In severe cases, bleeding from body openings may occur, but early
diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival rates,” he said.
The advisory identified high-risk groups, including individuals living
in rodent-infested areas, those consuming contaminated food, healthcare workers
treating patients without protective equipment, and laboratory staff handling
blood samples without precautions.
Idris outlined several preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread.
These include keeping homes and surroundings clean to eliminate rodent breeding
grounds, sealing holes and cracks to prevent rodent entry, storing food in
tightly sealed containers, and avoiding the open drying of food items. He also
recommended seeking medical attention for early symptoms rather than resorting
to self-medication.
He emphasized regular hand hygiene, proper sanitation, and discouraging
practices such as bush burning and deforestation, which drive rodents into
human habitats.
Idris called on healthcare workers to maintain high vigilance, adhere
strictly to infection prevention protocols, and promptly report suspected cases
to facilitate swift public health responses.
He further urged the public to utilize the NCDC toll-free line (6232) or contact the State Ministry of Health to report cases. “The NCDC remains committed to reducing the impact of Lassa fever through coordinated efforts, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration,” Idris said.
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