The Plateau State government has confirmed a fresh outbreak of suspected Lassa fever, with three reported cases and two fatalities in Kanam and Shendam LGAs.
The state’s commissioner for health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, disclosed that the government is working with the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to contain the spread. However, he highlighted that counteractive measures are currently being deployed to avoid its spread into neighboring states such as Bauchi, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, and Kaduna.
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, primarily found in West Africa. It spreads through contact with rodent urine, feces, or contaminated food. The disease is named after Lassa, Nigeria, where it was first discovered in 1969.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Lassa fever vary from mild to severe. Initial signs include fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain. In severe cases, patients may experience internal bleeding, organ failure, and neurological issues like hearing loss. Without early medical intervention, fatalities are common.
Transmission
Transmission occurs mainly through contact with infected rodents, but human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings. The virus can spread through bodily fluids, contaminated medical equipment, and even airborne particles in areas with heavy rodent infestation.
Mastomys natalensis, also known as the Natal multimammate mouse, is a rodent species found in many parts of Africa. It is considered the primary reservoir host for the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which causes bubonic plague.
Lassa fever is considered deadly due to its high fatality rate, long-term complications, and lack of a widely available vaccine. Survivors often suffer permanent hearing loss, and healthcare workers are at high risk due to hospital-based infections. Early detection and strict infection control measures are crucial in managing outbreaks.
Preventive Measures
*To prevent the spread, neighboring states should strengthen surveillance and early detection. This includes setting up rapid response teams, improving hospital diagnostic capabilities, and enhancing contact tracing mechanisms to identify and isolate potential cases.
*Public awareness campaigns are essential. State health ministries must educate communities on proper sanitation, rodent control, and safe food storage. Schools, religious institutions, and community leaders should play active roles in spreading awareness.
*Hospitals and healthcare facilities must be prepared with antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment (PPE), and quarantine centers for suspected cases. Medical staff should be trained on handling Lassa fever patients to prevent hospital-based transmission.
*Collaboration between states is necessary to monitor cross-border movements and limit further outbreaks. Governments should work with NCDC, WHO, and other health organizations to deploy technical and logistical support in affected areas.
*Proper waste disposal and rodent control should be enforced to eliminate multimammate rats, the primary carriers of the virus. Clean environments, sealed food storage, and government hygiene regulations in markets and public spaces will help reduce risks. Implementing these measures will help contain the outbreak, protect public health, and prevent an epidemic.
