The death toll from Lassa fever seems to be on the rise, with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control reporting that it has shot up to 70 in the past weeks. In an effort to fight the outbreak, the federal government has revealed that it is currently developing a Lassa fever vaccine in the country.
Nigeria's Lassa fever vaccine is currently at first trial stage
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, revealed during a press briefing in Abuja that a vaccine is being developed at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Benin. “Top Nigerian scientists in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital are working on a vaccine for Lassa fever in collaboration with German experts,” he said. “They have conducted a first stage trial. It might take a couple of years to completely develop it because developing a vaccine is in stages.”
However, as is usual with most vaccines, development takes time and comes in stages. This is to ensure that it is completely safe and not going to do more harm than good. Fortunately, the health minister has assured Nigerians that there's a lot of progress at the moment and that the vaccine development is in capable hands.
He said: “Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital is Nigeria’s centre for excellence for that kind of sickness – viral hemorrhagic infections. It is where a lot of research is being conducted, and where a lot of tests are being done. They have a lot of equipment and get a lot of support from abroad including German, British and American Institutes.”
Which laboratories can diagnose the fever in Nigeria?
Only a few medical facilities have the equipment for diagnosing Lassa fever across the country. Dr Osagie explained that there are five strategically placed laboratories that can diagnose Lassa fever. However, a sixth one has been donated by the West African Health Organization.
He reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) will decide on a strategic location which will ensure the distance towards getting samples to laboratories is minimal.
In addition, there are plans for aiding the development of a new laboratory in Kano. Presently, there are five working diagnostic centres for Lassa fever in the country. They include:
- National Reference Laboratory in Abuja
- Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
- Federal Medical Centre Owo
- Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakalilki.
Also Read: What Are The Symptoms of Lassa Fever?
Source: The Nation Online
