Background: Since the first reported case of Lassa fever (LF) in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria in the early 70's, the state has been plagued with increasing number of cases. This could be due to poor environmental practices, food and personal hygiene. By the end of August 2017 there were 42 reported cases with 15 confirmed cases. Sadly, over the years there have been challenges with reporting and investigation of cases. This could be due to weak health systems commonly seen in developing countries. Methods and Materials:We reviewed 2012-2016 surveillance data from the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the reported LF cases in the state. Results: Between the years 2012 -2016 there were 109 reported LF cases, with 57 (52.3%) males and 52 (47.7%) females. The mean age of the reported cases was 27.9± 13.6 years. Out of these, 23 (21.1%) were confirmed cases: 1 (4.5%) in 2012, none in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and 21 (91.3%) in 2016.The male: female ratio was10 (43.5%): 13 (56.5%). Six (26.1%) of the confirmed cases were health workers. The case fatality rate of the confirmed cases was 52.2%. Even though there is significant association between LF and death (P-value = 0.003) the odds ratio, 0.215 (95% CI) is low. The reporting years show consistent increasing trend from 2012 to 2016, except for 2015 where there was a decline in the number of reported cases. In 2016 there were 74 (67.9%) cases, 5 (4.6%) in 2015, 15 (13.7%) in 2014, 12 (11.0%) in 2013 and 3 (2.6%) in 2012. Conclusion: Even though reported cases are increasing, there are still gaps observed in the surveillance system of the SMoH. The annual recurrence of LF outbreak in the state without reciprocal preventive efforts on ground to combating it has exposed the populace and health workers to ill-health and death.
Background: The first reported Yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria occurred in 1931.The latest outbreak in Nigeria, commenced in September 2017. It is active in seven states and suspected cases have been reported in sixteen states, inclusive of Plateau state. The last reported outbreak in Plateau state occurred in Jos in 1969 with an estimated 100,000 cases.Materials and Methods: The cases and health workers involved in management were interviewed. Hospital records, laboratory and surveillance data were reviewed.Results: Case 1: A 6-year-old girl from Tudun-Wada, Jos Plateau state presented with fever (38.6oC), abdominal pain, sore throat and jaundice. Liver function test (AST: 398U/L, ALT: 96U/L). Treatment included ribavirin, ceftriaxone, anti-oxidants, intravenous fluids, blood transfusion. ELISA-IgM was positive for YF, but negative on PNRT.Case 2: A 10-year-old boy from the same family with case 1 presented with fever (39.0oC), abdominal pain, diarrhoea and jaundice. Liver function test (AST: 315 U/L, ALT: 126U/L). Treatment is same as case 1 plus metronidazole. ELISA-IgM was positive for YF, but negative on PNRT, while PCR was positive for Lassa fever.Twenty-three contacts (17 healthcare workers, 6 family members) were traced and daily monitoring instituted.Conclusion: The potential for a major urban outbreak of Yellow Fever in Plateau state and Nigeria is already present. Advocacy, health education and enforcement of vector control measures need to be intensified by the State Ministry of Health. Surveillance for rapid case finding and proactive vaccination also need to be intensified to forestall a disaster.
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