Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 23 Lives in Ebonyi, Nigeria

Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 23 Lives in Ebonyi, Nigeria

A recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of 23 people, with 394 suspected cases reported since January 2024. Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the devastating statistics during the handover ceremony of Medecins Sans Frontieres' (MSF) Lassa fever support activities to the Ebonyi government in Abakaliki.

The governor revealed that 48 cases were confirmed, with 25 individuals successfully treated and discharged. He expressed gratitude to MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders, for their tireless efforts in saving lives and combating the disease. "Though we grieve over those that died, we give kudos to doctors without borders for saving the lives of those who survived the disease," Nwifuru said.

Poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate environmental sanitation, lack of awareness and limited community engagement have contributed to the spread of Lassa fever. The disease is endemic in Nigeria and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily transmitted through multi-mammate rats. The virus can also be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Nigeria has recorded over 4,726 cases of Lassa fever in 2024, with a significant fatality rate. The Ebonyi State government has committed to improving healthcare, focusing on life-threatening diseases like Lassa fever and cholera. Governor Nwifuru emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating, "We shall overcome and eliminate in totality the dangers of Lassa fever."

MSF has partnered with the Ebonyi State government since 2018, providing support in surveillance, diagnosis, case management and prevention and control measures. The organization has constructed six health centers and implemented various interventions to combat the disease. Governor Nwifuru pledged continued support for MSF's efforts, acknowledging the organization's significant contributions to the state's healthcare sector.

The governor aims to eliminate Lassa fever and other deadly diseases through sustained collaboration. "As a governor, I am satisfied with the proactive, relentless and very tremendous efforts you have made in our health sector since your arrival to Ebonyi state in 2018. I believe that sooner than later, we shall overcome," Nwifuru concluded.

The handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in the fight against Lassa fever in Ebonyi State. The state government and MSF will continue working together to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance disease surveillance and provide quality care to affected communities.