News on lassa fever in nigeria

Here are some recent news updates on Lassa fever in Nigeria:

Latest Updates:

• As of February 2023, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 1,144 cases of Lassa fever, with 144 deaths, giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 12.6%. (Source: NCDC)
• The NCDC has also reported that 22 states in Nigeria have been affected by the outbreak, with the highest number of cases reported in Ondo State. (Source: NCDC)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a team of experts to Nigeria to support the country's response to the outbreak. (Source: WHO)

Recent Outbreaks:

• In January 2023, the NCDC reported a surge in Lassa fever cases in Ondo State, with 143 new cases reported in a single week. (Source: NCDC)
• In December 2022, the NCDC reported 246 cases of Lassa fever, with 34 deaths, in 15 states across Nigeria. (Source: NCDC)

Prevention and Control Measures:

• The NCDC has advised Nigerians to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting Lassa fever, including:
  • Storing food and other items in rodent-proof containers
  • Avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta
  • Wearing gloves when handling food or animals
  • Washing hands regularly with soap and water
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick with Lassa fever
• The NCDC has also deployed teams to affected areas to conduct contact tracing, testing, and treatment of patients. (Source: NCDC)

Research and Development:

• Researchers at the University of Ibadan have developed a vaccine against Lassa fever, which is currently undergoing clinical trials. (Source: University of Ibadan)
• The Nigerian government has also launched a research program to develop a diagnostic test for Lassa fever, which is expected to improve the country's response to outbreaks. (Source: Nigerian Government)

International Response:

• The WHO has provided technical and financial support to Nigeria's response to the outbreak, including deploying experts and providing funding for surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment. (Source: WHO)
• The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also provided funding to support Nigeria's response to the outbreak. (Source: USAID)

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions!