Lassa Fever Claims 118 Lives in Nigeria in Early 2023

Lassa fever has killed 118 individuals in Nigeria in the first three months of 2023, according to the NCDC. The virus, endemic since 1969, remains a serious threat, amplified by unsanitary conditions in rural areas. Confirmed cases reached 645, with an 18.3% fatality rate. Staffing shortages in treatment facilities exacerbated the situation, as patients increasingly turn to ineffective self-medication.

Lassa fever has claimed the lives of 118 individuals in Nigeria during the first quarter of this year, as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Initially identified in 1969 in Borno state, the virus, transmitted by rodents, has led to numerous fatalities over the decades, particularly in rural regions, largely attributed to poor food handling practices.

Despite ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at mitigating the disease’s impact, significant changes in environmental hygiene have not been observed among impoverished rural populations, allowing for continued rodent access to food and living spaces. Within the January to March timeframe, the NCDC reported 645 confirmed Lassa fever cases, resulting in an 18.3% fatality rate, according to NCDC’s Director General, Jide Idris.

Currently, Nigeria averages approximately 100 deaths from Lassa fever each quarter, with more than 20 healthcare workers among those recently infected. Idris elaborated that treatment centers are experiencing critical staffing shortages, while many individuals are opting for self-medication rather than seeking medical advice, which tends to be ineffective.

In summary, Lassa fever continues to pose a significant health risk in Nigeria, having resulted in 118 deaths within the first three months of the year. The persistence of the disease underscores the urgent need for improved sanitation and healthcare responses in rural areas. Without better access to medical care and effective prevention strategies, fatalities are likely to remain disturbingly high.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com