The management of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State, has said no fewer than one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-two (1,992) suspected cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded in the country.
The hospital noted that the suspected cases were recorded between January and February 2022, in 33 states across the country.
UCH has now warned health workers and members of the public to be careful and obey necessary precautions against Lassa Fever.
The hospital noted that prominent among the worse hit states are Oyo and Ondo in the southwest, Edo in the Southeast and Bauchi in the northeast region.
Others are; Benue in North-central, Taraba in the northeast, Ebonyi and Enugu states in the South-East.
The Hospital in a statement signed by Professor K.O. Osungbade, Chairman, Head, Disease Surveillance Unit, added that a total number of 450 confirmed cases have been recorded this year.
He added that about thirty health workers have so far been affected by the disease, adding that the fatality rate stands at 86%.
Osungbade, through the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Toye Akinrinlola, advised that standard universal precautions be observed while giving care and when handling blood and body secretions of suspected patients.
He added that immediate notification of suspected cases should be done.
Osungbade warned health workers to ensure proper handwashing, use of PPE, and safe disposal of wastes which are essential for effective prevention and control of the spread.
“This is to draw the attention of the entire members of staff to the current outbreak of Lassa fever in the country. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the most affected States are Ondo, Edo and Bauchi.
“Since the beginning of 2022, a total number of 1,992 suspected Lassa fever cases have been recorded in 33 States, majorly in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Benue, Taraba, Ebonyi, OYO and Enugu States.
“As of 18th February 2022, the total number of confirmed cases was 450, with 86 deaths recorded.
“About 30 health care workers are affected. A laboratory-confirmed case is an outbreak. It is highly infectious and can transmit via contact with a confirmed case or dead body of a probable carrier. The incubation period is 6 to 21 days.
