TheCable

The federal government says there is yet to be a vaccine for Lassa fever.

Olorunnimbe Mamora, minister of state for health, disclosed this to journalists while providing an update on coronavirus and Lassa fever in Abuja, on Friday.

The minister said between January 1 and February 16, there were 586 confirmed cases of Lassa fever with 103 deaths from 26 states.

NAN reports that in 2017, the National Institute of Health awarded Tulane University in the US more than $12 million to test a promising drug against the Lassa fever virus.

The minister said there has been a decline in the number of deaths from Lassa fever compared to previous years, adding that the result shows the commitment of relevant agencies to end the disease.

“We are responding to Lassa fever outbreak. Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 16, we had 586 confirmed cases with 103 deaths from 26 states. Of the confirmed cases, 73 per cent came from Edo,” he said.

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

“Public awareness is vital in the fight against infectious diseases. Lassa fever and COVID19 are threatening lives on this earth. Let us create awareness in our society.”

Mamora advised Nigerians to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), via toll-free number: 0800-970000-10; SMS: 08099555577; and WhatsApp: 07087110839, if any of the symptoms are noticed.

On Wednesday, Lagos state recorded its first case of Lassa fever making it the 27th state hit by the disease.

The state government placed 63 persons under close monitoring over concerns that they may have come in contact with the Lassa fever patient.