Abuja, January 31, 2024 – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued an alert regarding the resurgence of Lassa Fever, confirming two cases in Abuja. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of the Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, announced the information on Monday, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.

The alert was prompted by information from a clinician at Bwari General Hospital, leading to immediate investigations by the FCTA’s Public Health Department. The confirmed cases involve two children, aged 14 months and 13 years, who had contact with their mother, previously diagnosed with Lassa Fever in Bauchi.

According to Dr. Fasawe, the father brought the children back to Abuja after the mother’s demise, and subsequent testing revealed that the 14-month-old tested positive for Lassa Fever, while the 13-year-old tested negative. Another positive case was reported at the Abuja University Teaching Hospital, where the patient is currently receiving care.

The Secretary assured the public that there have been no fatalities recorded thus far. She emphasized the importance of taking precautions, such as avoiding the exposure of food to rats, and urged residents to promptly report any unusual symptoms to the nearest health centers.

Dr. Fasawe provided details of the investigation, stating, “Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation.” She also highlighted the timeline of events, explaining that the father traveled to Bauchi on January 9, 2024, to bring back the children, who had accompanied their mother. The family returned to the FCT on January 12, 2024, and the Public Health Department monitored the children for symptoms, with test results indicating a positive case for the 14-month-old and a negative result for the 13-year-old.

The FCTA encourages the public to remain vigilant, adopt preventive measures, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms suggestive of Lassa Fever arise. Regular reporting of such symptoms to health authorities contributes to effective surveillance and response efforts in controlling the spread of the disease.

Rotary International has pledged a significant commitment of US$ 14,037,787 to support Nigeria in its relentless efforts to eradicate polioviruses, particularly the Circulating Variant Poliovirus (cVPV2).

The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes this substantial funding that will span one year, focusing on providing technical assistance to enhance polio surveillance and combat the persistent challenge of cVPV2 in the country.

Despite Nigeria achieving the esteemed certification of being wild polio-free in August 2020, the emergence of cVPV2 poses an ongoing threat. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasizes the broader impact of supporting surveillance, stating, “You strengthen the ability of this country to anticipate, investigate, and respond to other infectious diseases that could threaten our national and global security.”

Rotary International has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s pursuit of eradicating polio, ensuring comprehensive immunization for all eligible children. The recent grant allocations, approved by Rotary Foundation Trustees, demonstrate the organization’s commitment to the cause. Three grants, totaling US$ 14,037,787, will specifically aid polio eradication activities and surveillance in Nigeria.

The WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, acknowledges Rotary International as a core partner and founding leader for the Global Polio Eradication Programme (GPEI) globally. Rotary’s long-standing commitment, including more than US$ 500 million in grants for Nigeria over the past decade, reflects its dedication to the highest programmatic priority of eradicating polio.

Dr. Mulombo outlines that despite sustained efforts, poliovirus surveillance data reveals the continued circulation of the virus in some states of the North-West zone. The funds from Rotary International will be strategically deployed by WHO, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and State Governments, to intensify efforts in high-risk areas.

The initiative by Rotary International in 1985 led to the creation of the GPEI, and the organization’s ongoing contributions, exceeding US$ 1.5 billion globally, highlight its unwavering commitment to the cause. WHO, as an implementing partner, will utilize these resources to eradicate polio, reinforce surveillance activities, and strengthen health systems to effectively respond to emerging health threats.

This collaborative effort reaffirms the determination to maintain Nigeria’s “Zero Wild Polio” status and eliminate the persistent threat of cVPV2 by the end of the year, as recommended by the 40th Executive Review Committee.