Connect with us

Health

JUST IN: NCDC reports 80 deaths from lassa fever as fatality rate rises to 19.4% across 11 states

Published

on

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 80 deaths from 413 Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).

According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the case fatality rate (CFR) has surged to 19.4%, up from 17.5% in the same period last year.

Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 73% of confirmed cases, with Ondo recording the highest at 34%, followed by Edo (21%) and Bauchi (18%).

A total of 63 local government areas across 11 states have recorded confirmed cases, according to the NCDC.

“Despite a decline in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.

“The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.”

While no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, the NCDC noted that delayed case presentations have contributed to the rising fatality rate.

Key challenges in containing the outbreak NCDC has identified poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges in tackling the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak.

To address the outbreak, the NCDC had activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.

“The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.

“The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.

“Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”

The NCDC has reiterated its collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response for Lassa fever.

“As the Lassa fever season peaks, we are intensifying case management training, enhancing rapid response coordination, and reinforcing infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread,” the agency stated.

It further disclosed plans for a nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign in partnership with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.

Preventive measures and public advisory

The agency also urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if they experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding.

“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232,” it added.

The NCDC has reiterated that Lassa fever is preventable and urged Nigerians to take proactive steps to minimize their risk of infection.

One of the key preventive measures, according to the agency, is proper food storage.

“Store food in sealed containers to prevent contamination by rats,” the NCDC advised. Keeping homes clean and eliminating rodent hiding places is also essential in reducing exposure.

The agency further emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices.

“Regular handwashing with soap and water helps prevent the spread of infection,” it stated.

Additionally, it warned against bush burning, which forces rats into homes and increases the likelihood of transmission.

Early detection remains critical in managing Lassa fever. “If you experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately at a health facility,” the NCDC advised.

It encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Health

Aliko Dangote Foundation Donates Ambulance to Mainland Hospital Yaba

The donated ambulance is expected to greatly improve the hospital’s emergency response capabilities, enabling swift mobility for critical cases and enhancing overall efficiency in disease outbreak responses.

Published

on

By

the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated a brand-new ambulance to Mainland Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

The donated ambulance is expected to greatly improve the hospital’s emergency response capabilities, enabling swift mobility for critical cases and enhancing overall efficiency in disease outbreak responses.

The hospital’s MD/CEO, Dr. Adejumo Adedeji Olusola, said that the donation has addressed a longstanding challenge, allowing the hospital to perform tasks that were previously impossible.

“We are really grateful, and our sincere gratitude goes to Mr. Aliko Dangote. We lacked an ambulance for about 10 years, but now we have one we can boast of thanks to Mr. Aliko Dangote,” Dr. Olusola said.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation has been at the forefront of major health interventions in Nigeria, including efforts to combat malnutrition, polio, and pandemic outbreaks.

This donation reflects the foundation’s broader mission to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Francis Aminu, Director of Health and Nutrition at ADF, emphasized the foundation’s dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the health sector.

“What we do at ADF isn’t just charity, it’s a duty. We believe that every Nigerian life is valuable, and health is the foundation on which all other aspirations are built; no Nigerian should be left behind due to a lack of access to essential health resources,” he stated.

Continue Reading

Health

Sufferer of Kidney Failure, Sewanu, Needs Your Help

Dialisys is 55k per session at Gbagada hospital but in some places it’s over 130k. So this is how I have been doing it since until later I was told at the hospital to go for kidney transplant but before I go for transplant, I will still be doing my dialisys twice a week.

Published

on

By

Shared by Dr Love , on X (Twitter):

My name is Hosu moses sewanu, a native of Ipokia local government in ogun state, was born and raised in Lagos state .

My dad is late, I still have my mum and am the second out of the family of 3.

It all started late 2023, I woke one morning and I noticed that the left side of my head was seriously pounding so I took paracetamol just like the normal thing thinking it was just an ordinary headache but after taking the paracetamol few minute later the headache started again to the extent that it was difficult for me to turn my neck so I managed it like that for about 3 days but when the aching didn’t stop I had to call my mum to tell her what I was facing so she said to me that I should try and come over to her place, on getting to my mum’s place.

She decided that I have to go to Randle general hospital that I should go and complain there about my health.

Immediately I got to Randle, checking my blood pressure level, it was very high and I was referred to the emergency department for quick response, at the emergency, I was required to do some laboratory tests which I did.

So I was admitted immediately for about 4 days, later the doctor told me to go and redo the same test again at another laboratory center outside the hospital. When the results came out, it was reading that I am having chronic kidney failure.

When I was told about the situation, my entire body was very buttered that I almost run mad.

When my mum came. She was also told the same thing then I was referred to gbagada general hospital for proper treatment and to be seeing a neufrologist that is the specialist doctor for kidney cases.

So I started visiting gbagada hospital for check ups and clinic days. By that time my body have not started noticing it like that nor until late 2024

I started feeling very weak, I don’t sleep at night, I couldn’t eat like that, my entire body was down.

So I tried going back to the hospital at Gbagada, there I was admitted instantly and they started the treatment process, later on, I was told to start dialisys, that I should do five, so I started dialisysing at Gbagada hospital at first It was five. After doing the five, I was told to start another five again .

Making it 10 sessions ater doing the 10th session I was discharged home just to be attending the clinic alone, later I was told at the clinic that I should not stop the dialisys that this time, I have to be doing it twice a week.

Dialisys is 55k per session at Gbagada hospital but in some places it’s over 130k. So this is how I have been doing it since until later I was told at the hospital to go for kidney transplant but before I go for transplant, I will still be doing my dialisys twice a week.

So far now, I have done 23 sessions of dialisys and still counting. As it is now, I don’t work again, I can’t even do anything now, even to move around like before is really difficult because the whole thing have started manifesting I mean my body can’t carry me like before.

I am in very severe pain, the drugs prescribed for me by the doctors are very expensive and they are much all are compulsory for me to buy.

Hmm I pray that God should send me help from above, a miracle is what I am expecting.

This is the little I can say about my state of health now.

0119741433 GT bank account, Hosu Moses sewanu

Or

1229255323 Zenith bank

Continue Reading

Health

JUST IN: Ogun confirms Lassa fever outbreak as NYSC member dies

Published

on

A 25-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), has reportedly died of Lassa fever at a secondary health facility in ljebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It wwas learnt that the female corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State, was brought to the health facility last Tuesday and later died same day.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, on Wednesday.

Coker also confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

The statement reads, “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and as such declared Lassa fever outbreak.

“The index case is a 25-year-old female National Youth Corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State and was brought to on of our secondary health facility in ljebu North LGA on 18th March 2025 and later died same day.

“ Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with High grade fever, Headache, General body weakness, Sore throat, Muscle pain, Cough, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Chest pain and Unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.

”Coker urged members of the community to report to the hospital if any of the listed symptoms is noticed.

“We implore members of the community to promptly report to the hospital if they notice any of these symptoms.

Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever!

“We implore all Health facilities in Ogun State, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures and to encourage compliance by all health facility staff.“

Healthcare worker that suspects Lassa fever in a patient, are advised to call their local government disease surveillance and notification officer (LGA DSNO) whose numbers are placed in our health facilities or call State Disease surveillance and Notification Officer (0703-421-4893) or State Epidemiologist (0808-425-0881),” she added.

The commissioner, however reiterated the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s dedication to protecting the health of the citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.

She added that the ministry in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East is keeping the situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response.

Continue Reading

Trending