Death toll form lassa fever has climbed to 41 out of 258 cases reported across 19 states in 2020 alone, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed in its weekly report.
According to the report, Edo, Ondo and ebonyi states has the highest number of cases and give health workers were affected.
“The number of deaths has increased, im total for 2020, 19 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 60 Local Government Areas.
“The number of confirmed cases has increased, these were reported from 19 states to include Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Kogi, Rivers, Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Delta, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Osun and Ogun”, the report read.
Meanwhile, as Coronavirus spreads beyond China with suspected cases already in ivory coast and kenya, the NCDC noted that laboratories are available across the country, but lack the necessary equipment in terms of reagents to test for the virus.
The Centre said as Nigeria is awaiting the reagents, it is working closely with WHO to ensure there is a place for diagnosis if there is any suspected case in the country.
The minister of health, Osagie Ehinare, has however urged Nigerians not to panic even as Coronavirus and Lassa fever spreads.
Considering the possibility of importation of the coronavirus to Nigeria, the minister speaking at a news conference in Abuja, said the Federal Ministry of Health is working with relevant Ministries and Agencies to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response to public health emergencies at various points of entry.
He assured that Nigeria has the capacity to respond to the virus and that screening is being intensified at points of entry.
“As events unfold, we observe that the risk of importation is present for all countries; however, the Ministry of Health wishes to assure Nigerians of the capacity to detect, assess and respond to this and other public health threats.
“Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has set up a “Corona Virus Preparedness Group” and is ready to activate its Incident Command System for coronavirus, if a suspect case emerges in Nigeria. NCDC is also constantly receiving the World Health Organization advisory to countries and Agencies on surveillance and response”, he said.
Ehinare expressed concern that the virus transmits from animal to humans as well as human to human and intervention, it could spread quickly in communities, causing severe illness and overwhelming health care facilities.
Ehanire informed that Ministry is finalising plans to engage State authorities in Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Rivers States and FCT, to enhance surveillance, preparedness and response activities in their domains.
Godsgift Onyedinefu, Abuja
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