Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 118 Lives in Nigeria Amidst Ongoing Health Challenges
In the first three months of 2023, Lassa fever resulted in 118 deaths in Nigeria, with 645 confirmed cases. The outbreak highlights ongoing sanitation issues within rural communities, despite awareness campaigns. Staffing shortages in treatment centers and a trend towards self-medication are complicating response efforts.
Lassa fever has claimed the lives of 118 individuals in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2023, as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The virus, endemic to the region since its identification in Borno in 1969, poses a significant threat, particularly in rural areas where poor food handling practices create opportunities for rodent exposure.
Efforts to mitigate the spread of Lassa fever through public health campaigns have not led to substantial improvements in sanitation among vulnerable rural populations. Consequently, rats often gain access to households, compromising food safety and hygiene. From January to March, the NCDC confirmed 645 cases of Lassa fever, yielding a high fatality rate of 18.3%.
The NCDC’s director general, Jide Idris, highlighted that approximately 100 deaths from Lassa fever have been consistent each quarter. Alarmingly, more than 20 healthcare professionals contracted the disease across five states in Nigeria’s 33 affected regions. Staffing shortages at treatment centers compound the crisis, yet many patients are opting for self-medication instead of seeking professional medical care, often resulting in ineffective treatment.
The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria continues to pose a severe health challenge, as evidenced by the significant mortality rate and the number of confirmed cases. The lack of improvement in public health sanitation and the reluctance of patients to seek timely medical intervention further exacerbate the situation. Continued public health efforts and improved environmental hygiene are essential to containing this deadly virus.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
