The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory on Lassa fever, following the death of a 31-year-old physician in Ondo state, Nigeria
The physician died barely 48 hours after returning from the United Kingdom (UK).
According to the advisory signed by NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, as of 2 March, Nigeria had recorded 2,728 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths across 14 states.
It further disclosed that five states including Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 percent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (16 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent), account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases.
NCDC noted that cases of Lassa fever are recorded all year round with peak transmission periods within October to May every year.
Physician’s case
According to the public advisory, the agency was notified of the physician’s case on 5th March by the Ondo State Ministry of Health.
The physician who passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 1st March was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from the UK.
He travelled out of Nigeria on 19 February and returned on 27 February while samples were taken a day after his return on suspicion of Lassa fever.
Dr Idris revealed that the laboratory investigation returned a result that was lassa fever positive on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on 4 March.
The deceased was said to have visited his fiancée in Edo state, as well as family and friends before traveling.
Contact tracing initiated
To enhance state and international coordination of all control efforts, the NCDC stated that the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified contact tracing and line listing of the confirmed case’s contacts, with Port Health Services, also tracking in-flight contacts to bolster surveillance at the entry points.
The agency further stated that all necessary in-country structures have been mobilised to ensure all possible contacts are traced and monitored; adding that information has been shared with relevant authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005), while contact tracing efforts are also ongoing in the UK.
According to the BBC, the UK Health Security Agency has placed some individuals under monitoring.
Lassa fever, transmission, preventive measures
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by the Lassa virus.
The natural reservoir for the virus, according to NCDC, is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat). However, other rodents can also act as carriers of the virus.
This zoonotic disease was first reported in the Lassa community in Borno State, Nigeria when two missionary nurses died from an unusual febrile illness. Since then, cases and outbreaks continue to be reported in Nigeria.
The NCDC explained that Lassa fever is transmitted through direct contact with or ingesting food and drinks contaminated with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents.
It can also be contracted through contact with contaminated objects, household items, or surfaces.
Person-to-person transmission is possible through exposure to the blood, urine, faeces, vomitus, or other body fluids of an infected individual, particularly in hospital settings with inadequate infection prevention and control measures.
On how it presents, NCDC explained that Lassa fever initially presents like other common illnesses accompanied by a fever, such as malaria.
Other symptoms may include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
The agency however emphasised that early reporting of symptoms enhances timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving the chances of survival.
It warned that people of all age groups who come into contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats, as well as those living in rat-infested environments, are at risk of contracting Lassa fever.
Key actions to prevent the spread of Lassa fever according to the agency include keeping your environment rodent-free and cleaning your homes, markets and surroundings regularly to eliminate conditions that encourage rat infestation or reduce breeding grounds for rats.
Also, process or prepare rats (bushmeat) properly before consumption, store food items such as rice, garri, beans, and maize in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination, avoid open drying of foodstuff outside or on roadsides, and cover your dustbins and properly dispose of refuse or waste to limit rodent access.
Maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and running water, especially after handling food or waste or using hand sanitisers when necessary.
You may also eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other appropriate and safe means.
Block all holes in your house, including walls, floors, and roofs, to prevent rats and other rodents from entering.
Additionally, discourage bush burning and deforestation as these can destroy the homes and food sources of rodents, driving them to migrate from the bushes to human residences to find food.
Dr Idris urged Nigerians to call the NCDC’s toll-free number 6232 or their State Ministry of Health’s hotline to report any suspected cases.
