BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR, BENIN
THE Director of Viral and Emergent Pathogens, Control and Research, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr Okoeguele says that Edo State recorded 240 positive cases of lassa fever and 21 deaths between December 2023, and March this year.
Dr Okoeguele also revealed that 37.7 million people in 14 West African countries are at risk of Lassa fever infection annually with over 5000 deaths.
Dr. Okoeguale stated this while delivering a lecture titled: ‘University Community Collaboration in Lassa Fever Research: Advancing Diagnostic Capacity and Vaccine Development in Nigeria’ at the first edition of the College of Medical Science Lecture Series organise by the Edo State University, Uzairue
He noted that lassa fever is classified by WHO as a priority disease for research and development.
The guest lecturer said only 20 per cent of those infected are symptomatic while 80 per cent are asymptomatic and do not sick or present themselves for treatment
Dr. Okoeguale, a consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, said the only way to bring a stop to the scourge of the disease was by prevention and vaccine.
He added that the number of centers had been increased to five with Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo, FMC Bauchi and FETHA, Abakaliki.
According to him, “Lassa fever outbreak has continued to occur yearly with growing incidence and increasing geographical spread affecting children, pregnant and non-pregnant adults in Nigeria”.
In his opening address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Dawood Egbefo said that the gathering is to address a critical issue that impacts not only the community but also the entire nation.
He said Lassa Fever remained a significant public health challenge in Nigeria that affectes scountless lives and places a strain on the healthcare system.
