Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State said the state recorded 23 fatalities and 48 confirmed cases of Lassa fever between January and December 2024.
He said 25 infected individuals received treatment and were successfully discharged while expressing sorrow for those who lost their lives.
He spoke during the handover of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Lassa fever support activities to the state’s Ministry of Health.
Governor Nwifuru lamented the high fatality rate of Lassa fever in Ebonyi and across Nigeria, describing MSF’s contributions as significant to the health and well-being of Ebonyi residents.
Since partnering with Ebonyi State in 2018, MSF has provided support in areas such as disease surveillance, diagnosis, case management, prevention, control measures, and humanitarian aid for Lassa fever.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted by multimammate rats.
Due to Ebonyi’s tropical landscape, characterised by forests and bush masses that serve as reservoirs for the virus, the disease remains endemic in the region.
It commonly occurs in outbreaks, with peak transmission periods between December and April.
Governor Nwifuru pointed out factors contributing to the spread of Lassa fever, including poor health-seeking behaviours, inadequate sanitation, limited awareness, and insufficient community engagement.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, especially in combating life-threatening diseases such as Lassa fever and cholera.
He also highlighted initiatives under his administration, including the employment of healthcare professionals, procurement of medical equipment, and revitalisation of 171 primary healthcare centres across the state.
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