Nigeria is currently battling a severe outbreak of Lassa fever that has killed 142 people across 23 states in less than three months. The Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced this on their official website, according to Daily Trust.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The virus is transmitted through the urine or faeces of infected rodents, mainly the multimammate rat. The disease is endemic in Nigeria, and the country experiences yearly outbreaks between December and May.
The outbreak has raised concerns among Nigerians, as it is coming at a time when the country is already facing political chaos following the recently conducted general elections, which were marred by violence and irregularities.
The outbreak of Lassa fever has further worsened the situation, as many Nigerians are now worried about their safety and health. The disease has spread rapidly across the country, with 23 states recording at least one confirmed case across 97 local government areas.
The NCDC says that in Epidemiological Week 11, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 70 in Week 10 of 2023 to 38 cases. However, cumulatively from Epidemiological Week 1 to Week 11, 142 deaths had been reported with Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18. 1 per cent, which is lower than the 18. 7 per cent CFR for the same period in 2022.
The NCDC has been working tirelessly to contain the outbreak, but the political chaos in the country has made their work more challenging. The government has been criticised for not doing enough to address the outbreak, and many Nigerians are calling for urgent action to be taken to contain the disease.
” The Nigerian government should also address the political crisis in the country, as it is exacerbating the situation. The government needs to find a peaceful resolution to the political crisis and ensure that the safety and security of all Nigerians are guaranteed” , he added.
He further stressed that the Nigerian government should invest more in healthcare infrastructure and systems to help prevent outbreaks like this from occurring in the future. The country needs more hospitals, clinics, and trained healthcare personnel to address public health emergencies effectively, he said
He concluded by calling on the international communities for help. According to him, ” It is also crucial for the international community to support Nigeria in containing this outbreak. The World Health Organization and other international organizations should provide technical and financial assistance to help the Nigerian government tackle the disease. “
Source: Daily Trust
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