Five confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported from four states of Nigeria within the ending of August and early September, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, said.

Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness, with bleeding and death in severe cases caused by the Lassa fever virus with an incubation period of six to twenty one days.

The agency said two cases were reported in Plateau State, one each in Rivers, Bauchi and Gombe states.

“The case reported from Gombe died on 22nd August 2016, all other cases are alive,” NCDC said in a statement on Friday.

The agency said public health response commenced immediately in all the affected states under the leadership of the respective state’s Ministries of Health.

“Resources were immediately mobilised from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and its partner, the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP), to support the investigation and management of cases in the affected states,” the statement said.

According to the head of NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu, “We commend the early detection and reporting of the most recent cases, as it significantly improves the likelihood of survival for the cases and also reduces the risk of further transmission.

“We also urge all States to report cases immediately for Lassa fever while improving on the timeliness of their reporting generally”.

As a result of increasing number of cases, the NCDC is issuing an advisory to all States reminding them of the steps they have to take to prepare and respond to cases of Lassa fever and other haemorragic fevers, as well as the resources that they can access for this.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control remains committed to supporting the States to prevent the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

“For further media inquiry on Lassa Fever in Nigeria, you can reach NCDC via Facebook Messenger on m.me/NCDCgov. Our website is currently being redesigned to improve our communication opportunities,” the statement said.

•Text courtesy of TV360 Nigeria. Photo shows a Lassa fever patient receiving medical attention.

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