Lassa Fever Outbreak Kills 14 in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter

Map of Southern Nigeria showing Ebonyi State and the local governments that have the majority of Lassa fever cases recorded. Click on image to enlarge.

Lagos. Feb. 23, 2024: A recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State, Nigeria has claimed 14 lives already. The condition which is spread through contact with infected rat droppings or urine is an acute viral illness endemic to West Africa.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Daniel Umezurike, revealed on February 20, 2024 that the state has recorded 38 confirmed cases of Lassa fever since the beginning of the year. Of these, 14 people have died from the illness. The majority of the cases were recorded in Izzi, Ikwo, Ezza North and Ishielu local government areas.

Umezurike noted that the state government has activated an emergency operation center to coordinate the response to the outbreak. Measures being taken include contact tracing of infected persons, provision of drugs and personal protective equipment, community sensitization, decontamination of affected areas and management of confirmed cases at isolation centers.

The commissioner advised residents to maintain proper hygiene, store foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers and report suspected cases early. He also cautioned against self-medication, emphasizing that early diagnosis and prompt treatment increase survival chances. The state hopes to curb further spread of the viral disease through collective efforts.

Several outbreaks of Lassa fever are regularly reported across Nigeria and other African countries throughout the year.

Published: February 23, 2024

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