Lassa death toll hits 161 as four health workers die

While the new coronavirus has caused a global meltdown but is yet to claim any life in Nigeria, four health workers have died from the Lassa fever — taking the death toll to 161 in 2020 so far.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed the latest figures in its weekly situation report on the disease.

According to the centre, there are 3,735 suspected cases with a total of 906 confirmed cases.

It said four health workers, three in Bauchi and one in Gombe, are among the dead.

The NCDC said 123 local government areas across 27 states have been affected so far.

Ondo and Edo are the worst hit states with 15 and 11 confirmed cases respectively.

The center said 78 patients are currently being managed.

“The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to coordinate response activities across states,” the report read.

“Of the states with confirmed cases, eight of them have activated state-level EOCs.

“National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed from NCDC to support response activities
in nine states.

“The five molecular laboratories for Lassa fever testing in the NCDC network are working full capacity to ensure that all samples are tested and results provided within the shortest turnaround time

“NCDC is working to support every state in Nigeria to identify one treatment centre, while supporting existing ones with care, treatment and IPC commodities.”