RECENT Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has raised alarm, with 52 confirmed cases and 10 deaths recorded.
THE extent of damage this year is significant, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 19%. There is also high number of infections among healthcare workers, with 14 cases recorded, including six medical doctors, which call for concern.
THIS is not the first time the state is grappling with the viral hemorrhagic fever, but the current outbreak, which affected four Local Government Areas: Makurdi, Guma, Buruku, and Okpokwu demands immediate attention and action.
LASSA fever, a viral disease transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine/feces, has been a recurring issue. Previous outbreaks in Benue State have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to prevent and control the disease.
WE commend the measures put in place by the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to contain the situation. The collaboration between the state government, technical and development partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), World Health Organization Country Office, UNICEF, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is commendable.
WE call on the state ministry of Health and Human Services to intensify active case search, contact tracing, risk communication, community engagement, and public sensitization, while the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) should expand its field response teams for support in a bid to prevent further occurrence.
WE urge members of the public to observe public health measures, by avoiding contact with rats and rodents, maintaining good environmental sanitation, storing food items in tightly covered containers, and seeking medical care immediately if symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, sore throat, or bleeding from any part of the body are experienced.
THE state government should sustain the funding gap in the Incident Action Plan to ensure response activities continue without interruption.
AS the state continues to respond to the outbreak, it is essential to prioritize the safety of healthcare workers, who are at the forefront of the response efforts.
SUSTAINED efforts are also needed to ensure the public is informed and equipped to prevent the spread of the disease.
THE fight against Lassa fever requires collaborative efforts. Government, healthcare workers, and the public must work together to prevent further occurrence and contain the situation.
