DRY SEASON: NCDC HAS ADVISED STATE GOVTS, INDIVIDUALS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO TSKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF LASSA FEVER AND CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS. (PHOTO).

 As the dry season begins, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has advised state governments, individuals and health professionals to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of Lassa Fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM).

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, who gave the advice in Abuja while giving an update on the spread of Lassa Fever and cerebrospinal meningitis, said these diseases pose a significant public health risk, become more during the dry season, due to bush burning and heat. 

Dr. Idris expressed concern over the rising cases of Lassa Fever nationwide and stated that as of October 13, 2024, 1,035 cases have been confirmed out of 8,569 suspected cases, with 174 deaths recorded across 28 states. 

The NCDC DG said the Agency was ramping up efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever, stressed the need for patients to report themselves early to health facilities as soon as they noticed symptoms such as general body weakness, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, and, in severe cases, bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

He also warned of the heightened risk of cerebrospinal meningitis, particularly in the northern part of the country where dry-season conditions facilitate the spread. 

He said 4,915 suspected cases of meningitis, with 380 confirmed cases and 361 deaths reported across 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory in the 2023/2024 season.

To mitigate the spread, Dr. Idris said the NCDC had launched vaccination campaigns targeted individuals aged 1-29years, in high-risk areas such as Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe covering 134 wards.

Dr Idris urged the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid crowded spaces, and promptly seek medical attention if symptoms of either disease appear.