LASSA FEVER: 43 CONFIRMED DEAD AS SUSPECTED CASES HIT 615 IN NIGERIA

IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – At least 46 people have been confirmed dead across the Federation following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria, the Centre for disease control, CDC has said. According to the CDC, a total of 615 suspected cases have been reported across 17 states.

Of this,” 193 have been confirmed positive to the Lassa fever virus. 43 deaths were recorded in confirmed cases giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 23.9%”, CDC said.

It added that since the outset of the outbreak, there has been a high case identification rate through the use of standard case definition employed via the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy.

“This is an indication of an active and improved surveillance system. This in itself, is a part of the case detection process as all cases have to be subjected to laboratory testing for further classification and disease burden estimation.

“Laboratories play a major role in outbreak response and management. It is important that all cases identified undergo laboratory testing. Delays in carrying out laboratory testing could range from poor sample collection techniques, ineffective sample management processes to poor testing techniques. Addressing these delays would be contributory to better outbreak outcomes.

“Prompt testing of samples provides insight into better outbreak response. It provides a good background for better projection of scarce resources and promotes judicious use. In summary, it reduces CFR as confirmed cases are detected earlier, offered prompt health care services and most importantly, brings about improvement in the health status of the larger community.

“Currently, Lassa fever testing is carried out across three (3) laboratories in Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has provided support for all testing laboratories with provision of reagents and other consumables. It is hoped that in the near future, States are able to build and support laboratories to carry out Lassa fever testing”, he said.