Thread by @Chikwe_I

Increase in the no. of Lassa fever cases across the country has left many Nigerians asking why it keeps recurring

The answer is not lack of preparedness!

We are victims of our own success. Improved awareness & capacity to detect = detection of more cases

#NCDCSundayReflections

The Lassa fever virus is spread by infected rats. These rats are found nearly everywhere in our environment and are very difficult to eliminate

With infected rats and without a vaccine, our country and several others, remain at high risk of #Lassafever transmission

Over the last 3 years, we‘ve invested in our diagnostic capacity for #Lassafever

In 2016, we had only 2 labs in #Nigeria for #Lassafever testing. Currently, there are 5 molecular labs running at full capacity & providing testing for all states in the country. 1 new lab=N100M

What was being reported as ‘resistant malaria’ or ‘unknown illness’ in Nigeria may have been #Lassafever, #yellowfever or other diseases

Now that we can test for these pathogens in Nigeria & our surveillance system has improved, we have a better understanding of disease burdens

The prevention and response to #Lassafever depends largely on collective responsibility

We should keep our environment clean always to avoid contact with rodents; seek care in a health facility when ill; and for health workers, always practice standard care precautions

At NCDC, we continue to support states in strengthening their response capacity

Our State Public Health EOC project, training of Rapid Response Teams, provision of medical supplies for treatment and risk communications strengthening are some areas we have focused on for progress

The decline in the number of deaths from #Lassafever compared to previous years, is an important outcome that shows the results of hard work

We will continue working with other government agencies, states and tertiary hospitals to protect the health of Nigerians