Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire
Lassa fever: National Response Teams dispatched to Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, as FG begins contact tracing over 105 new cases
National Response Teams have been deployed to three states, including, Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi, over reported outbreak of the lassa fever which has risen to 105 new cases in those states.
The deployment follows Federal Government decision to begin contact tracing for the 105 suspected cases of Lassa fever in the country.
A Nigeria Cholera Situation report prepared by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made available, Wednesday, confirmed the development.
Reports showed that as of October 10, 2021, Nigeria had recorded 3,271 suspected cases of Lassa fever with 78 deaths across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the report, Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi led with the highest number of cases with 2,003, 732, and 117 cases respectively.
While Edo State accounted for the highest number of deaths with 43 fatalities, the Federal Government said six health workers have lost their lives since the beginning of the year.
In the report, the NCDC stated “36 individuals have been followed up while 105 individuals are currently under contact tracing.
“Five Lassa Fever molecular laboratories in the NCDC network are working full capacity to ensure that all samples are tested and results are provided within the shortest possible time.
