“Lassa Fever Outbreak in Ebonyi State Claims 23 Lives, 394 Suspected Cases Reported in 2024”

By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 6, 2024

The Ebonyi State government has confirmed 23 deaths from Lassa Fever in 2024, following 48 confirmed cases out of 394 suspected cases recorded between January and December.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed the figures on Thursday during an event in Abakaliki, marking the official handover of Lassa Fever support activities from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, to the state government.

Expressing grief over the fatalities, the governor commended MSF for its life-saving interventions, emphasizing the critical role the organization played in treating survivors and managing the outbreak.

“The spread of this virus is believed to be exacerbated by sociocultural practices, poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate environmental sanitation, lack of awareness, and limited community engagement,” Nwifuru said.

He highlighted the partnership with MSF as a cornerstone of the state’s health response:
“We commend the outstanding efforts of our international health partner, MSF, for their invaluable contribution. Their humanitarian achievements in improving the health and well-being of our people are immense, and as a government, we are deeply grateful for their support.”

MSF began its partnership with Ebonyi State’s Ministry of Health in 2018, focusing on addressing Lassa Fever outbreaks and other health emergencies.

Governor Nwifuru also presented a broader picture of the disease’s impact on Nigeria, noting that the country had reported over 4,726 cases of Lassa Fever this year, with a high fatality rate. Ebonyi State alone accounted for 394 suspected cases, resulting in 48 confirmed cases, 23 deaths, and 25 recoveries.

“As governor, I am highly satisfied with the proactive, tireless, and remarkable efforts you have made in our health sector since 2018. I am confident that, with your continued support, we will soon overcome and completely eliminate the threat of Lassa Fever,” the governor stated.

He called on MSF leadership to reconsider their plans to withdraw and continue the partnership for the sake of humanity. Nwifuru also pledged the state’s commitment to providing necessary support to eradicate the disease from Ebonyi.

The governor’s remarks underscore the urgent need for sustained collaboration and investment in health infrastructure to combat recurring outbreaks of Lassa Fever in the region.

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