Edo Records 21 Deaths From Lassa Fever – Okoeguele

Director of Viral and Emergent Pathogens, Control and Research, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr Joseph Okoeguale on Monday said Edo State recorded 240 positive cases of Lassa fever and 21 deaths between December and March 2024

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.

Okoeguele, who made the revelation 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 organised by the Edo State University Uzairue, said Lassa fever is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority disease for research and development.

He said only 20% of those infected are symptomatic, while 80% are asymptomatic and do not seek medical attention nor present themselves for treatment.

Dr Okoeguale, an Obstetrics and Gynaecologist consultant, said the only way to stop the scourge of disease is through prevention and vaccines.

He said Lassa fever has continued to cause mortalities in all age groups and both males and females, undiagnosed and unchallenged; hence, WHO have recommended centres of excellence in the affected region, such as Lassa Fever Centre at Kenema General Hospital, Sierra Leone and the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua also known as Institute of Viral And Emergent Pathogens Control And Research adding that the number has been increased to five with Federal Medical Center, 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”.

“The yearly outbreak of Lassa fever has placed enormous strain on all aspects of the health system in Nigeria, and the only way to stop this scourge of disease is by vaccination and prevention”.

The institute’s director disclosed that the centre is designing trials that will help develop new drugs and a vaccine for Lassa fever.

“We have built and equipped an ultramodern clinical trial and sequencing centre, and we commenced the sequencing not only the Lassa fever virus but also the Covid-19 and Monkey Pox Virus.

“We have recently received approval from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) to conduct a platform trial of new drugs for Lassa fever.

“We are collaborating with the United States Centre of Disease Control, George Town and the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control to sustain a clinical fellowship program for the clinical management of Lassa fever and other highly infectious diseases.

In his opening address, the acting vice chancellor of the university, Prof Dawood Egbefo, said that the gathering was to address a critical issue that impacted the community and the entire nation.

He said Lassa fever remained a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting countless lives and straining the healthcare system.

Egbefo highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Lassa fever research required input from various fields, such as biology, medicine, public health, and social sciences, to foster a culture of teamwork that can create a holistic approach to the public health challenge.

While extending his gratitude to the Provost College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe, for organising the first lecture series, he said the event is not only to showcase the dedication and hard work of the University but also highlight that the University is at the forefront of championing the vital principle that public health is indeed a cornerstone of wealth.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Edo State University Uzairue, Dr Kenneth Atoe, said the gathering was to explore a crucial topic that resonates deeply with the institution’s commitment to improving public health and addressing local challenges.

The Provost stated that the lecture series aimed to share knowledge between researchers, healthcare professionals, the community, and stakeholders, stimulate research and innovations in Lassa Fever diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and promote evidence-based policy decisions and community-led intervention.

Dr Atoe expressed his sincere gratitude to the Acting Vice Chancellor and his management team for their unwavering support of the College of Medical Sciences. He said their commitment to academic excellence and community engagement is evident in the event’s success.

He recognised that sustainability is critical to long-term impact and appealed to the University management, stakeholders and partners to continue supporting the initiative by ensuring its continuity and growth.