Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria Claims 118 Lives in Three Months

Lassa fever killed 118 individuals in Nigeria in Q1 of 2023, amidst 645 confirmed cases. The disease, carried by rodents, persists due to inadequate food handling and poor hygiene in rural areas. Many health workers are infected, and patients delay treatment for self-medication, complicating the situation further.

The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in 118 fatalities within the first quarter of this year, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The disease, recognized since 1969, is transmitted by rodents and has historically affected rural populations, exacerbated by inadequate food handling practices. Despite ongoing prevention campaigns, there has been a lack of substantial improvements in public health hygiene in the most affected areas.

During the January to March 2023 period, the NCDC confirmed 645 cases of Lassa fever, yielding a fatality rate of 18.3%. Jide Idris, the NCDC Director General, indicated that the trend has been consistent, with approximately 100 deaths recorded each quarter recently. Among the new cases reported, over 20 healthcare workers were found to be infected across five out of the 33 states impacted by the outbreak.

Idris highlighted that existing treatment facilities are grappling with staff shortages as patients often postpone seeking appropriate medical assistance, opting instead for self-medication and alternative treatments that lack efficacy. This situation exacerbates the challenge of controlling the outbreak of Lassa fever.

In summary, Nigeria has witnessed a distressing resurgence of Lassa fever, which has claimed 118 lives in the first three months of 2023. The persistent high fatality rate and the challenges in access to medical care highlight the urgent need for improved sanitation and health education in rural communities. Addressing these issues is essential to mitigate the impact of this potentially deadly disease moving forward.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com