Magnus Eze, Abuja
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has dispatched a rapid response team to Ebonyi State, where an outbreak of Lassa fever claimed the lives of three health workers including two resident doctors, at the weekend.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole had, on hearing of the reported cluster of Lassa fever among healthcare workers in the state, directed the NCDC to investigate and respond to the cluster of cases.
Dr. Ihekweazu, in a statement, in Abuja said, “On Sunday the 14th of January 2018, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); was notified of four cases of Lassa fever among health care workers in Ebonyi State. Three of the four cases have subsequently passed away.
“The Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, immediately requested that NCDC provides support to the Government of Ebonyi State, to investigate and respond to this cluster of cases.
“Following the report, the Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) immediately commenced the public health response, supporting the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health.
“A Rapid Response Team has been immediately deployed from NCDC to support the State in response coordination, contact tracing, case management and strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures.”
He further disclosed that the NCDC has also provided urgently required medical supplies and drugs to support case management in the State.
While commiserating with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA) and the Ebonyi State Government, the NCDC boss assured that the Federal Government will support them to avert a future occurrence.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease, caused by contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. The Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever.
According to Ihekweazu, “Health care workers in health facilities are particularly at risk of contracting the disease, especially where infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures are not strictly adhered to. We therefore strongly advise that health care workers practice universal care precautions while handling patients at all times, not just when Lassa fever is suspected.”
He also urged family members providing care for patients with Lassa fever to always to be extra cautious, while encouraging States to ensure safe burial practices for patients who die from Lassa fever.