Health

NCDC registers seven new cases of Lassa fever

FG issues Lassa fever alert, death toll hits 102, cases now 4,632

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported seven new cases of Lassa fever across Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi states. The cases, recorded between July 22 and July 28, highlight the ongoing challenge of managing the viral hemorrhagic illness in Nigeria.

According to a statement released on Friday, August 9, via the NCDC’s official website, Edo State reported four of the new cases, Bauchi State registered two, and Kogi State confirmed one case. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded during this period.

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or through contact with infected persons. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from various body openings.

The NCDC also provided an update on the Lassa fever situation in 2024, revealing that a total of 163 deaths have been reported so far this year, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0 percent. This rate is slightly lower than the 17.3 percent recorded during the same period in 2023.

The public health agency noted that 66 percent of the confirmed cases in 2024 were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, while the remaining 34 percent were spread across 25 other states. In total, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever across 125 local government areas.

The NCDC identified several challenges in the fight against Lassa fever, including the late presentation of cases, which contributes to a higher CFR, poor health-seeking behavior due to the high cost of treatment, and inadequate clinical management of the disease. Additionally, poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities and low awareness among the public were cited as ongoing concerns.

The agency emphasized that individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 were the most affected during the reporting period, though it was noted that no health workers were infected.

In response to the surge in cases, the NCDC has called for heightened surveillance and preventive measures across the country. The public is urged to adhere to safety protocols and to report any symptoms to local health authorities promptly. The NCDC is also intensifying efforts to trace contacts and implement control measures to curb the spread of the disease.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely and working with state health authorities to ensure a coordinated response.

The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will continue to coordinate efforts at all levels to combat the disease.

Health

Akwa Ibom records five monkeypox cases

The Akwa Ibom State Government has raised the alarm over the increasing cases of monkeypox in the state, with five confirmed cases recorded so far.

The government has urged residents to be vigilant as the disease spreads across local government areas.

During an update on Friday, September 6, the state government revealed that out of 30 samples collected for diagnosis, five tested positive. The initial four confirmed cases included three males and one female, aged 2, 4, 12, and 41.

Samuel Etuk, the official in charge of disease surveillance and notification at the state Ministry of Health, confirmed the fifth case and noted that contact tracing efforts are underway while the affected individuals are in isolation.

Etuk provided details at a Media Review Meeting organized by Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) in collaboration with the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP).

He emphasized the importance of community involvement in monitoring the disease, with 10 informants engaged in each of the state’s 368 political wards to report cases to health authorities.

Etuk explained that Mpox can be transmitted from animals to humans (a zoonotic process), as well as through direct or indirect human contact. Transmission can occur through contact with urine, blood, faeces, skin lesions, and oral secretions.

Symptoms of Mpox typically appear after an incubation period of 5 to 21 days and include fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, rashes, and muscle pain. The rashes often start on the face and spread to other parts of the body.

To prevent further spread, residents are advised to avoid contact with sick animals or humans, maintain proper hygiene, and report any suspected cases to health authorities or the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Etuk reminded the public that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared Mpox a global public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, signaling the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.

Health

FG to establish blood collection centres in 774 LGAs

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Blood Collection Centres in all 774 local government areas, including the FCT, to ensure availability of blood during medical emergencies and transfusions.

Abdullahi Haruna, Head, Media and Publicity, National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The statement quoted Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General, NBSA, as reiterating government’s commitment towards addressing blood shortages in the country as the initiative would save lives.

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“We are working tirelessly to ensure that blood needs are adequately addressed, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

“NBSA has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to establish a formidable blood bank at the Corp’s medical facility.

“This collaboration aims to mitigate blood shortages during medical emergencies and provide critical support to sister security agencies,” he said.

He explained that to kickstart the blood collection project, the FCT will host strategic blood collection facilities in easily accessible locations.

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“This move is expected to increase blood donation rates and ensure a steady supply of blood for medical purposes.

“The establishment of blood collection centers across Nigeria is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system.

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“As the project rolls out, Nigerians should expect improved access to blood transfusions and better health outcomes,” he said.

The statement also disclosed that the Deputy Commandant Emeka Okeke of the NSCDC said: “this initiative will play a vital role in addressing blood shortages and saving lives.”

Health

WHO sets targets to end Mpox outbreaks in Africa

The World Health Organisation, WHO, has set a target of halting mpox outbreaks in Africa within the next six months.

This announcement came as the first vaccine shipments are expected to arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, in the coming days.

Africa, particularly the DRC, with over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths, has received only a fraction of the vaccines to combat the virus.

At a press briefing on Monday, September 2, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in ending the outbreaks, citing strong government leadership and collaborative partnerships.

In August, WHO declared mpox outbreaks a global emergency to spur a more robust international response even though a new strain of mpox known as clade1b, has been identified in many countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Kenya.

The potentially more contagious variant of the virus was detected in Congo in May, prompting heightened concerns among health officials.

WHO estimates that approximately 230,000 vaccines could soon be sent to Congo and other affected countries. The WHO is also implementing educational campaigns to inform people in outbreak areas about preventing the spread of the disease.

Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said it aims to receive 380,000 vaccine doses from donors, including the US and the EU, which falls short of the quantity required to eradicate the outbreaks.