Nigeria declares fresh Lassa fever outbreak

Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-23 22:00:16|Editor: xuxin
Video PlayerClose

ABUJA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian authorities on Wednesday confirmed about 60 new cases of Lassa fever, declaring a fresh outbreak of the disease known to be endemic in several west African countries.

The acute viral hemorrhagic fever has been reported in at least eight states in Nigeria since Jan. 13, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) said in a statement reaching Xinhua in Abuja.

"Given this increase in reported cases of Lassa fever, the NCDC has declared this an outbreak and activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response," the statement said.

The NCDC said Nigerians need not panic over the rising cases of Lassa fever because it has initiated measures in response to the disease in the country.

Recent epidemiological data show that Lassa fever usually occurs in Nigeria during the dry season, between January and April.

Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus from exposure to urine or feces of infected mastomys rats. Other than common preventive measures such as washing hands regularly, the World Health Organization has also recommended keeping cats.

Chief executive officer of the NCDC Chikwe Ihekweazu told reporters on Wednesday that in preparation for this year's emergency phase, the center had been providing support to states, including emergency supplies and deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT).

"The RRTs would work with states in response coordination, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and strengthening infection prevention and control practices," Ihekweazu said.

Last year, the NCDC reported at least 143 Lassa fever deaths across the country. The fever was reported in 22 states and 90 local government areas last year.

At least 3,016 suspected cases were also recorded in the year, according to official data.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001377687951