Joseph Okoeguale, Director of Viral and Emergent Pathogens, Control and Research at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, has revealed that Edo State recorded 240 Lassa fever cases and 21 deaths between December and March this year. He shared this update during the College of Medical Science’s Lecture Series at Edo State University, Uzairue.
Okoeguale’s lecture, “University Community Collaboration in Lassa Fever Research: Advancing Diagnostic Capacity and Vaccine Development in Nigeria,” emphasized the importance of addressing Lassa fever, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified as a priority disease for research and development.
The Situation In Edo
He stated that the 240 recorded cases and 21 deaths between December and March were substantial. 2023 also saw a high number of cases, with over 40% emerging from Etsako communities in Edo State. Nigeria has experienced a notable Lassa fever outbreak, with 4,726 reported cases and 142 deaths as of March 2024. The disease, which is endemic in Nigeria, is mainly transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated with rat excreta.
Mr. Okoeguale emphasized that prevention and vaccines are essential to combating the spread of Lassa fever. This disease affects people of all demography, causing significant mortality rates over the years. Despite its prevalence, Lassa fever often goes unnoticed, undiagnosed and untreated.
How To Tackle Lassa Fever In Nigeria
Lassa fever outbreaks occur yearly in Nigeria, with surging incidence and geographical spread, affecting children, pregnant women, and adults alike. These outbreaks strain the healthcare system, necessitating a response focused on reducing mortality and disease transmission.
To address this, Mr. Okoeguale advocated for vaccination as the primary tool in abating epidemics. The centre he administrates is working on developing novel treatments and vaccines through clinical trials. They have established an advanced clinical trial and sequencing centre to analyze the Lassa fever, COVID-19, and monkeypox viruses.
Partnerships with international health organizations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, strive to enhance the clinical management of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases. This collaboration seeks to minimize mortality and morbidity rates in Nigeria and West Africa.
