It is said that there are about 300,000–500,000 cases of LASSA Fever each year, causing about 5,000 deaths.
Nigeria has witnessed a series of LASSA Fever deaths over the years. An outbreak in 2012 put the country on edge. At least 15 states were affected with roughly 400 cases and 45 deaths recorded.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole during the week assured Nigerians that “The Nigerian government will continue to enhance its surveillance and social health education, information and communication activities to prevent the disease from spreading further in Nigeria and I wish to call for the support and understanding of Nigerians.”
However as at Wednesday, the total number of suspected cases so far reported is 76 with 35 deaths, and a Case Fatality Rate of 46 per cent.
The Health Minister noted that because the symptoms of Lassa Fever are so varied and non-specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease.
He urged family members and healthcare workers are advised to always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.
He also warned healthcare workers seeing a patient suspected to have Lassa Fever should immediately contact the epidemiologist in the State Ministry of Health or call the Federal Ministry of Health using the following numbers: 08093810105,08163215251, 08031571667 and 08135050005.
Rivers state ordered the sanitation of homes and offices, Adamawa communities have been placed on high alert.
Niger Health Commissioner has assured residents that the situation is under control although the National Emergency Agency has warned Nigerians to respond to the current LASSA Fever outbreak with the same level of urgency they responded to Ebola.