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

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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

Overworked RSUTH Resident Doctor Slump, Dies on Duty

What happened is that he was on call in the Emergency Room. Afterward, he went to the call room to rest, and it was there that he died. Unfortunately, he was the only one attending to the patients.

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Dr Oluwafemi Rotifa, a young resident doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) collapsed and died after a gruelling 72-hour call duty.

Ohibaba.com reliably gathered that the deceased doctor, fondly called Femoski by colleagues, was a former President of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students’ Association, PUMSA, and was registered with the United Kingdom’s General Medical Council, awaiting placement abroad.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, who confirmed Rotifa’s death, said that the deceased doctor had been on continuous call duty for three days in the Emergency Room before he retreated to the call room to rest.

It was there that he slumped and later died, despite efforts to resuscitate him in the Intensive Care Unit.

“What happened is that he was on call in the Emergency Room. Afterward, he went to the call room to rest, and it was there that he died. Unfortunately, he was the only one attending to the patients.

“The overuse of manpower strained his health and led to this painful death. It was a death on duty,” Osundara lamented.

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Health

Rumours of Trump’s ill health spread online despite denial

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From manipulated images to out-of-context photos, false claims that Donald Trump is seriously ill — or even dead — have swirled online, with the misinformation persisting even after the US president publicly rejected it on Tuesday.

At a White House press conference, Trump dismissed social media rumours about his health as “fake news,” following the 79-year-old’s noticeable absence from public appearances and press events last week.

Since last Friday, there were around 104,000 mentions of the hashtag “Trump dead” on the Elon Musk-owned platform X, generating a cumulative 35.3 million views, according to an analysis from the misinformation watchdog NewsGuard.

Some social media users cited online maps purportedly showing road closures near Maryland’s Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre as evidence that Trump was being treated for a serious ailment at the facility.

But there were no credible reports of road closures around the medical facility.

Other social media users shared an image of an ambulance parked outside the White House, claiming it was taken last month and citing it as evidence of a health crisis involving Trump.

It was actually an old photo posted by a journalist on X in April 2023 — while Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, was still in office, according to NewsGuard.

Some users claiming that Trump was dead shared an out-of-context image of the White House flag flying at half-staff, a traditional gesture used to honour the death of a prominent official.

In reality, Trump had issued a proclamation last week ordering flags at the White House, military posts, and naval stations across the country to be lowered in honour of the victims of a school shooting in Minneapolis.

Some users also posted a zoomed-in image of Trump’s face, claiming it showed a deep line above his eye that indicated a recent stroke.

But NewsGuard found that the original image was out of focus and showed no signs of a line over Trump’s eye. The image used in the false posts was digitally enhanced using an AI tool.

The misinformation — which appeared to originate from liberal anti-Trump accounts on X, Bluesky, and Instagram — persisted even after Trump stated on Truth Social over the weekend: “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE.”

The falsehoods continued to circulate following Trump’s press conference on Tuesday, where he publicly dismissed the health rumours.

Shortly after the conference, one Bluesky account falsely claimed that the “White House just announced” the president was dead.

The falsehoods highlight how facts are increasingly under assault on a misinformation-filled internet landscape, an issue exacerbated by public distrust of institutions and traditional media.

The health of US presidents has always been closely watched, but with the White House seeing its two oldest ever occupants since 2017, the scrutiny is now heavier than ever.

Trump — the oldest man ever to be elected US president — has alleged that Democrats covered up the mental and physical decline of Biden, who was 82 when he left office in January.

Biden’s health was a key issue in the 2024 election, and the then-president was forced to drop his campaign for a second term after a disastrous debate performance against Trump.

AFP

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Health

Why Do People Collapse And Die?

Checks by Ohibaba.com, show that there are various reasons why people may collapse and die suddenly.

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Last week, one of the twin sons of my deceased brother, collapsed at work and died.

The incident happened in Abuja. Immediately, I was contacted with the sad news, I inquired if he was sick.

Her sister replied “No”

Did he go to work on an empty tummy or take medication on an empty tummy?

Again, the response was, “No “Did he have high blood pressure? “No,” was the answer.

Hmmm…

Similarly, the FCT Head of Service, Mrs Grace Adayilo, died in the same manner.

Media reports said that Mrs Adayilo slumped and passed out early this morning, September 1.

The report said that Mrs Adayilo, an indigene of Abuja and incidentally, the first female ever to occupy the position in the FCT Administration, attended a church service on Sunday and even donated to the congregation.

These cases among millions got me wondering: Why do people collapse and die?

Checks by Ohibaba.com, show that there are various reasons why people may collapse and die suddenly.

According to Meta AI, some common causes include:

Medical Conditions

1. Heart conditions: Heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, or other cardiovascular conditions can cause sudden collapse and death.

2. Stroke or brain aneurysm: A stroke or brain aneurysm can cause sudden loss of consciousness and death.

3. Seizures or epilepsy: Severe seizures or epilepsy can lead to loss of consciousness and, in rare cases, death.

External Factors

1. Trauma or injury: Severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or other serious injuries can cause collapse and death.

2. Heatstroke or dehydration: Extreme heat or dehydration can lead to collapse and, if untreated, death.

3. Electrocution: Electrical shock can cause cardiac arrest and death.

Other Causes

1. Sudden cardiac arrest: Unexpected cardiac arrest can occur without warning, often due to underlying heart conditions.

2. Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions can cause rapid collapse and, if untreated, death.

3. Poisoning or overdose: Ingestion of toxic substances or overdose of medications can lead to collapse and death.

It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if someone collapses suddenly. Prompt medical care can help identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

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