Experts at FUTH Lafia Advocate Strict IPC Adherence Amid Lassa Fever Concerns

FUTH Lafia Held a Presentation today where experts advocated the need for stricter adherence to Infection Prevention and Control procedures to reduce the spread of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

CMAC, Dr Aboje O. Aboje in his opening remarks said, a clear roadmap has been put in place with thorough monitoring to curb the spread of Lassa fever which remains endemic all year round in Nigeria, while commending the Epidemiology and Community Medicine Department for putting up the lecture.

In his presentation, Dr Akabe Joseph narrated that according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, about 1 in 20 suspected cases is confirmed positive, highlighting the need for sustained vigilance.

While noting that FUTH Lafia serves as a major referral centre where most cases are managed, recent records show 18 confirmed cases with 5 deaths, although there has been a gradual decline in mortality due to improved response and case management.

A public health expert, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, emphasized that everyone in the hospital is at risk, stressing that prevention remains key. 

Infection Prevention and Control expert and member of the IPCC of the hospital, Dr. Esther Audu commended the management for making the necessary provision to ensure IPC protocols are put in place to avoid spread of infection, but however, lamented that though IPC Protocol have been developed for the hospital, many staff are not aware and many take it for granted.