By Ijeoma Obioma .
Photo credit:The Antlantic.
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) in Benue State, following its quest to find lasting solution to Lassa fever, through research,has began a study to unlock mysteries surrounding the deadly disease in North Central states of Nigeria.
Our correspondent reports that the research is being carried out with the support of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) mega grant by FUHSO Center for Infectious Disease Research and Management.
FUHSO’s Principal Investigator, Prof. Stephen Abah, said Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, is endemic in Nigeria, adding that it has long plagued communities in virtually all states of the federation, thus posing a significant challenge to public health.
He noted that the Centre currently spearheads the comprehensive study on Lassa fever across the North-Central region, adding that FUHSO’s initiative seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding the incidence, seroprevalence, risk factors, and transmission dynamics.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of FUHSO, Prof. Innocent Ujah, has expressed profound appreciation to Tetfund for their unwavering support and belief in the mission of the institution.
Ujah posited that the research opportunity and funding provided by Tetfund was instrumental in advancing FUHSO’s vital research efforts.
Our correspondent recalls that the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), has recorded 5,295 suspected cases, 806 confirmed cases and 150 deaths of Lassa fever as at 31st March 2024.
Lassa fever was discovered in a Village called Lassa in the north east part of Nigeria, by missionary doctors in the mid 60s.
According to health experts,Lassa fever is an illness one gets from a virus common in countries of West Africa.
They add that the disease is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) , a group of viruses that can cause uncontrolled bleeding.
They further explained that most people who have Lassa fever usually have mild symptoms like fever, headaches and fatigue.
Lassa fever is an acute, viral disease carried by a type of rat that is common in West Africa. It can be life-threatening,the experts said.
Edited by Dawud Ahmed.
