Following the official declaration of Lassa fever as an outbreak, the Federal Government has activated emergency response
Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.
He disclosed that there has been an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases reported from several states across the country since the beginning of the year.
The NCDC boss added that recent epidemiological data shows that the trend usually occurs during the dry season – between January and April.
Highlighting the preparation for the year’s emergency phase, he said NCDC has been providing support to states, including the provision of emergency supplies and deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT).
The NCDC DG explained that the RRTs would work with states in response coordination, contact tracing, case management, risk communication, as well as strengthening infection prevention and control practices.