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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
says Nigerians need not panic over the rising
cases of Lassa fever because it has initiated
measures in response to the disease in the
country.
The advice was expressed in a statement on
Wednesday by the Chief Executive Officer, NCDC,
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu in Abuja.
Ihekweazu said that in preparation for this year’s
emergency phase, NCDC had been providing
support to states, including emergency supplies
and deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT).
He said that the RRTs would work with states in
response coordination, contact tracing, case
management, risk communication and
strengthening infection prevention and control
practices.
“Recent epidemiological data shows that Lassa
fever usually occurs during the dry season,
between January and April.’’
According to him, as at Jan. 13, about 60
confirmed cases were reported in eight states.
”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,” he said.
He said that given the increase in reported cases,
the NCDC declared it as an outbreak and
activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
to coordinate the response.
Ihekweazu, therefore, advised members of the
public to focus on prevention by practising good
personal hygiene and proper environmental
sanitation.
”Take effective measures by storing grain and
other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers,
disposing of garbage far from the home,
maintaining clean households, and other
measures to discourage rodents from entering
homes.
”Hand washing should be practised frequently.
The public is also advised to avoid bush burning.
”Health care workers are again reminded that
Lassa fever presents initially like any other
disease causing febrile illness such as malaria.
”Healthcare providers are advised to practise
standard precautions at all times, and to maintain
a high index of suspicion.”
Ihekweazu advised that Rapid Diagnostic Test
(RDT) must be applied to all suspected cases of
malaria.
”When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile
illness including Lassa fever should be considered.
Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment
increases the chances of survival.
”The national guidelines for Infection Prevention
and Control, as well as Lassa fever case
management have been developed, disseminated
to states and are available on the NCDC website
for download,’’ he said.
Ihekweazu reinstated Federal Government’s
commitment to supporting all States’ public
health teams to prevent and respond to public
health threats.
Source:
www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/dont-
panic-over-lassa-fever-centre-urges-nigerians/