ADVERTISEMENT

137 confirmed cases, 80 deaths since outbreak in December 2015

Abdulsalami Nasidi, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in a recent interview stated that since the break out of Lassa fever in December 2015, 137 cases and 80 deaths have been recorded.

Lassa Fever

Nasidi  told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that efforts have been intensified to tackle virus in the country.

“Lassa fever broke out in December 2015 but became worst in February; the total suspected case was 266 and 138 deaths in the whole country.

“Laboratory wise the centre recorded 137 cases and 80 deaths,’’ he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nasidi added that the centre has not received any new case in the past 10 days.

“NCDC has not received any new case of Lassa fever in the past 10 days and the one we are suspecting has not been fully confirmed.

"This means that the outbreak has subsided but it can rise again if we do not take precautions.

"Our challenge is the high rate of deaths which is around 60 per cent of those who fall sick due to the disease.“We need to do more to stop the spread and reduce the number of deaths,” Nasidi said.

Nasidi noted the case of 13 persons from one family being infected with the virus in Bauchi. He said 10 members of the family survived while three died.

ADVERTISEMENT

He added that the Centre is focused on fighting all haemorrhagic fevers, including ebola, zika and yellow fever.

“We are working very actively on all the haemorrhagic fevers not just Lassa fever.

“We are still monitoring and checking what is happening on Ebola; we are also working actively on flues generally.

“I just returned from Ibadan where we assembled all the NCDC epidemiologists, disease surveillance and education officers and some directors from all over the federation to make them know that time is against us.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Through the meeting, preparation for the fight against Zika virus and endemic flues has begun,’’ he added.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT