The Ebonyi State Government, on Thursday, confirmed that 48 suspected cases of Lassa fever were recorded this year out of which 23 people died of the disease while 25 were discharged.

Additionally, the state government revealed that a total of 394 suspected cases of Lassa fever have been reported from January to December.

Governor Francis Nwifuru made this announcement during the official handover ceremony for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, which provided Lassa fever support activities to the state government.

He expressed his condolences for those who passed away and praised Doctors Without Borders for their efforts in saving the lives of those who survived the illness.

“The spread of this virus is believed to be facilitated by sociocultural practices, poor health-seeking behavior, poor environmental sanitation conditions, lack of awareness and community engagement.

“We, therefore, applaud the splendid efforts of one of our international health allies and partners known as MSF.
“The giant humanitarian strides recorded as milestones of this team in the area of health and well-being of our people is enormous and as a government we are highly indebted to them.

“MSF became an official health ally and partner to Ebonyi State through the state ministry of health in 2018 and since then they have remained steadfast. “Records have shown that this year 2024 alone, Nigeria has recorded over 4,726 cases with a very significant fatality rate.

“In Ebonyi State here, we have recorded 394 suspected cases since January till date, with 48 confirmed cases out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged home.

“As a governor, I am satisfied with the proactive, relentless and very tremendous efforts you have made in our health sector since your arrival to Ebonyi State in 2018.

“I believe that sooner than later we shall overcome and eliminate in totality the dangers of Lassa fever and with your constant backup our acceleration in subduing this deadly virus will be faster and better,” he said.

The governor urged the leadership of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to heed the state’s heartfelt request and maintain their partnership “for the sake of humanity.”

He assured them that he would provide the necessary support to achieve the objectives of eradicating Lassa fever in Ebonyi State.