NCDC Confirms 15 Fresh Cases of Lassa Fever

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has confirmed 15 fresh cases of Lassa fever in six states in Nigeria.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the CEO of the organization revealed that the 15 new cases brought the number of confirmed cases to 510 out of the 1,924 suspected cases since Jan. 1 in 21 states.

Dr. Ihekweazu revealed that 119 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the virus in January.

According to him, FCT, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, Benue, Rivers, Kogi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Plateau, Taraba, Cross River, Kebbi and Oyo states each recorded at least one confirmed case.

Lassa fever which according to findings is an acute and often fatal viral disease, with fever, occurring chiefly in West Africa. It is usually acquired from infected rats.

The NCDC boss, however, assured that National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre and other agencies would do all in their power to put an end to the spread of the outbreak.

Lassa fever which according to findings is an acute and often fatal viral disease, with fever, occurring chiefly in West Africa. It is usually acquired from infected rats.

Station Magazine understands that about 6320 people suspected to have contacts with those infected had been reportedly identified across 20 states.