Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has confirmed that between January and December 2024, the state recorded 23 deaths and 48 confirmed cases of Lassa fever. The governor also reported that 25 individuals infected with the virus were treated and discharged, expressing grief over the fatalities and appreciation for the efforts of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), who helped save lives.
The announcement was made during the handover of MSF’s Lassa fever support activities to the state’s Ministry of Health. Nwifuru praised MSF for their significant humanitarian contributions to the state’s health sector, including surveillance, case management, and prevention efforts since their partnership began in 2018.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by rats, is endemic in Nigeria and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Ebonyi due to its tropical environment. Governor Nwifuru stressed the challenges of poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate sanitation, and limited community awareness in combating the disease. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare through employment of qualified personnel, procurement of medical equipment, and revitalization of healthcare facilities.
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