NCDC has sent letters to states to alert the authorities on the disturbing trend of Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

In another development, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, said it has sent letters to states to alert the authorities on the disturbing trend of Lassa fever outbreak in the country. In its latest situation report on the disease published recently, the agency revealed that a total of one hundred and two infected people died from the disease in 2021.

A breakdown of the report on Week 52 which covers December 27, 2021, to January 2, 2022, shows that three new deaths were recorded. While no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting Week 52, the NCDC gave an assurance that the national Lassa fever multi-partner and multi-sectoral Technical Working Group, TWG, have continued to coordinate the response activities at all levels.

Lassa virus is transmitted to man by infected multi-mammate rats and humans become infected from direct contact with the urine and faeces of the rat carrying the virus. In a bid to further tackle the disease in the New Year, the NCDC said it was conducting high burden states preparedness/response engagement meeting.