The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared the emergency phase of the 2020 #Lassafever outbreak over, following successive decline in cases below the emergency threshold, and an epidemiological review carried out by NCDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following the decline in cases, NCDC has declared the emergency phase of the 2020 #Lassafever outbreak over

We will continue to monitor the trend in cases & respond effectively, given the endemicity of #Lassafever in Nigeria

Full press release herehttps://t.co/nlQB4LLLt7 pic.twitter.com/zcePpkHtJZ

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) April 28, 2020

In the last two years, Nigeria has recorded Lassa fever cases throughout the year, with the peak usually between January and April.

The NCDC had in January this year declared a Lassa fever outbreak and activated a national Lassa fever Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

This was in response to an increase in Lassa fever cases at the beginning of the year, exceeding the threshold for an outbreak.

According to information garnered from the NCDC website, ncdc.gov.ng, since the beginning of the outbreak, 979 confirmed cases including 188 deaths have been recorded from 27 States including the Federal Capital Territory as at 19th of April 2020.

“The Lassa fever case count has significantly declined in the last three weeks and has now dropped below levels considered to be a national emergency,” said the country’s Public Health Institute.

In the last four months, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Response, State Ministries of Health, and with support from partners coordinated by the WHO have led Lassa fever response activities across the country.

“It is important to highlight that this year, there was a decline in case fatality of Lassa fever, from 23% in 2019 to 19% in 2020.

“The NCDC also supported peer to peer training by creating exchange programmes between states, treatment centres and laboratories.

“Importantly, the NCDC and the major treatment centres at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and Federal Medical Centre Owo, have begun the process for a large epidemiological study in collaboration with WHO and CEPI.

“This epidemiological study being implemented in Nigeria and other West African countries, is expected to contribute to Lassa fever vaccine development.

“The NCDC recognizes that in the absence of a vaccine, Nigeria remains at risk of Lassa fever cases,” said the NCDC.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of the NCDC, said:

“Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we remain focused on our prevention, detection and response to other infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria, including Lassa fever.

“While we have crossed the emergency phase, we know that we will continue to record cases. The NCDC remains committed to ensuring a continuous decline in the number of people who die from Lassa fever, by early detection and appropriate treatment”.

The NCDC Boss appreciated all its partners for their support including WHO, Africa Centres for Disease Control, West African Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control, World Bank, George Town University, UNICEF, Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Public Health England, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Resolve to Save Lives, International Federation of Red cross Communities, Alliance for Medical Action (ALIMA), Pro Health International, Medecins Sans Frontiers, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations(CEPI), eHealth Africa, ECHO, Japanese Government, Robert Koch Institute and Bernard Nocht Institute in Germany, PANDORA, and other organizations.

“We’re extremely grateful to all frontline health workers for their hard work and dedication during this outbreak.

“We advise healthcare workers to continue to practise standard precautions at all times: i.e. wear personal protective equipment such gloves when providing care to an ill patient/relative, as any febrile illness can be Lassa fever.

“Our message to Nigerians is to practise good personal hygiene i.e. always wash your hands with soap and water, keep your environment clean and rodent free to prevent the spread of Lassa fever,” he added.

Amaka E. Nliam