The update on Lassa fever has been declared by Federal Government of Nigeria that the death fatality as a result of Lassa fever outbreak has hit 61.4 per cent, saying that the disease has killed 108 persons as at Thursday.
The Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, said the outbreak of Lassa fever that started in December, last year has affected 20 states of the federation with 176 cases and 108 deaths.
“As at today the 10th of February 2016 Nigeria has recorded 176 cases with 108 deaths given a case fatality rate of 61.4 per cent Out of this, 78 are confirmed cases and 49 deaths, given a specific case fatality rate of 62.8 per cent.” he said.
He pointed out that the 176 cases and 108 death are the total cases reported, (suspected, probable and confirmed); while total confirmed cases is 78; and deaths in confirmed cases is 49.
The minister stated that as at today, 20 states are currently following up contacts, or have suspected or probable cases with laboratory results pending or laboratory confirmed cases.
He said: “It is important that I inform the nation that this current outbreak is under control as evidenced by decline in new suspected cases, new laboratory confirmed cases and newly reported cases by week.
He, however, warned of complacency as it may flare-up during the dry season, adding, “Despite this achievement, you will agree with me that it will be dangerous if we go complacent at this stage, as we could record another flare-up and a second wave deep in the dry season.”
He said: “I have instructed the NCDC to work closely with the Lassa Fever Eradication Committee and other partners to develop a Lassa Fever Control strategy that will withstand the test of time.
“As we were fighting to interrupt the transmission of Lassa fever in our country, another health emergency of international health concern broke out in the Americas and has been spreading fast.”
