
Lassa Fever Outbreak: FCT Activates Emergency Center
In a proactive move, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has swiftly activated a sub-national multisectoral Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the emergence of Lassa fever cases. The city has reported four suspected cases and two confirmed cases of Lassa fever, prompting health authorities to take decisive action.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment in the FCT, announced the activation during a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday. The primary objective of establishing the EOC is to ensure a well-coordinated sub-national response and to promptly interrupt the transmission of the disease.
Nationwide, there have been a cumulative 486 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 134 confirmed cases and 21 recorded deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 15.7 percent. Dr. Adedolapo reported that the FCT has seen four suspected cases and two confirmed cases, with no reported Lassa fever-related deaths within the territory.
Providing details on the confirmed cases, Dr. Adedolapo revealed that one of the cases involved a 14-month-old baby whose late mother had previously been confirmed as a Lassa fever case in Bauchi. The second case, unrelated to the first, was reported by clinicians at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
“Case 1” involves a four-month-old female child, whose mother’s diagnosis led to her placement in a treatment center. Currently responding well to care, the child is under close supervision. “Case 2” pertains to a 15-year-old female confirmed on January 17th, also receiving care in a designated treatment center. Both cases have been linked to appropriate care, with necessary commodities pre-positioned as requested by the medical facility. Additionally, contacts have been identified and are undergoing thorough follow-up for a period of 21 days to prevent further transmission.
This swift and coordinated response aims to contain the spread of Lassa fever within the FCT and mitigate its impact on public health. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, taking necessary precautions, and ensuring that affected individuals receive timely and effective care.