The authorities of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have raised an alarm over a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
The warning was contained in a circular issued by the management of UCH to all its staff on Wednesday that was seen by Nigerian Tribune
It stated: “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 at 18th February 2022, the total number of confirmed cases was 450, with 86 deaths recorded. About 30 healthcare workers are affected.”
The circular warned that “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 case. The incubation period is 6 to 21 days.
“The Hospital Management therefore uses this medium to alert all clinicians and other members of staff on the need to have a high index of suspicion, particularly at the entry points of the hospital – emergency wards, clinics and general outpatient.”
It added that a “detailed history of travel and contact with a sick or dead person is important while assessing all suspected cases using the standard case definition for viral.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, says it lost two of its members to Lassa fever within 72 hours.
NMA chairman in Oyo State, Dr. Ayotunde Fasunla who made this known in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan, said, “The NMA announces, with deepest regret and sorrow, the demise of two of our members from Lassa fever.
“The tragic deaths occurred within a space of 72 hours. It is indeed a sad week, and our eyes are still soaked in tears.
“While we thought that COVID-19 had done its worst, we are now dealing with another onslaught of a Lassa Fever outbreak.
“Furthermore, we are worried about other health workers who have had contact with the diseased unknowingly. We have advised them to quarantine and report if they develop any symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever.”
NMA urged its members to treat all febrile illnesses with a high index of suspicion.
He said the body had also instructed its members to be cautious and vigilant at all times.
“Not only for the sake of their health and safety but also in the interest of the patients and public health.
“Members, especially the frontline doctors and other health workers, must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
“We appeal to the management of health institutions in the state to make PPEs readily available, as well as soap and running water for hand washing immediately after attending to patients.
“This is to protect our members and other healthcare workers from contracting transmissible infections.
“We appeal to the Oyo State Government to conduct intensive surveillance and sensitisation on Lassa Fever outbreaks in the affected communities as well as across all local government areas in the state.
“We commiserate with the families of our colleagues who lost their lives in the course of performing their professional duties to the service of humanity. May their gentle soul rest in peace,” Fasunla said.