The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised concerns on the increasing cases of Lassa fever in the country and has urged more focus on prevention and preparedness.

According to Lawal Bakare, the Technical Assistant Communication, NCDC in Lagos, 19 confirmed cases and six deaths had been reported in seven states so far. He said in the last quarter of 2016, the center began the execution of its Lassa fever preparedness plan ahead of the current dry season, with the aim of strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to the expected Lassa fever cases.

“NCDC is working closely with affected states to ensure an appropriate response to these cases. Social mobilization activities and sensitization of health workers are being scaled up also. The outbreak response commodities that were prepositioned in the states by NCDC, are being used for the response. Epidemiological response activities such as contact listing and tracing are also going on in the affected states,” he told Premium Times.

Nigeria in 2016 battled with the worst outbreak of Lassa fever in history. The World Health Organization (WHO) on its website revealed that between August 2015 and 17 May 2016, 273 cases of Lassa fever, including 149 deaths, were recorded in the country. The cases were reported from 23 states.

Anita Fatunji