It is lamentable that despite the warning and alert of the Federal Government over the Lassa (haemorrhagic) fever outbreak, two other states have become afflicted, raising the death toll to six. States in the neighborhood of Taraba State should take with all seriousness, the government’s warning, while the authorities concerned should consider the matter as a national emergency. This is particularly so as the outbreak reportedly raises the risk of another Ebola epidemic, which the country can ill afford. Report shows that the fever had claimed three lives in Taraba, out of five reported cases, signifying a high fatality. Two others have been confirmed dead in Rivers State while Nasarawa State is equally affected.
Going by the concern of the Director, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Prof. Abulsalam Nasidi, the deaths so far were largely because the infected persons did not report early for treatment. This is a warning that Taraba and adjourning states should quickly spread among their populace. As in other diseases, there is no alternative to early detection and treatment to prevent an uncontrolled spread of Lassa fever.
It is important also for the public to heed the advice of the Rivers State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Theophilus Odagme that people should not panic but report to the nearest hospital or health centre if they experience symptoms such as persistent high fever, stooling, vomiting and bleeding from the nose, mouth and anus. The public is also advised to improve on the sanitation of their environment and homes to prevent the contact of rats with foodstuff.
While the sudden outbreak of the infectious ailment and the resultant loss of lives are disheartening, the prompt response of Taraba State, Rivers State and the Centre for Disease Control, is encouraging. This is hardly unexpected, in view of the country’s recent experience in containing the incidents of the dreaded Ebola virus.
The Federal Government has reportedly dispatched a medical team, drugs and other supplies to Taraba to help in managing the outbreak. And Taraba Commissioner of Health, Innocent Vakkas said two patients had been quarantined. Indeed, there is nothing as quick response to contain the outbreak of dreaded diseases. The examples already laid should be quickly embraced by other states. Luckily, Prof. Nasidi said the outbreak had not spread to other states, nor was another outbreak recorded in Niger State.
Lassa fever is described as an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of one to four weeks duration that occurs in West Africa. Experts say it is transmitted to human via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or fecal matter.
According to a fact sheet from the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures. Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin (where it was diagnosed for the first time in November 2014), Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well. The overall case-fatality rate is one per cent. Observed case-fatality rate among patients hospitalised with severe cases of Lassa fever is 15 per cent. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.”
On symptoms, WHO notes: “The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from six to 21 days. The onset of the disease, when it is symptomatic, is usually gradual, starting with fever, general weakness, and malaise. After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow.”
All health authorities, at the states and federal level should see the outbreak as a challenge and prevent its spread. As happened during the incidents of Ebola virus, government should embark on public enlightenment and education. Emphasis should be laid on symptoms to watch out for, its causes, prevention and immediate measures people should take on suspected or confirmed cases.
As health authorities deploy necessary resources to combat the disease in Taraba, they should encourage precautionary measures nationwide, both for Lassa fever and other contagious or infectious diseases.
Guardian
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