Why Nigeria can’t fight Lassa fever like Ebola – Minister

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said Nigeria cannot fight Lassa fever with the same method it used to fight Ebola.

Adewole, in an interactive session with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, gave reasons why the Federal Government cannot deploy the same method it used to fight and win the battle against Ebola virus in the battle against Lassa fever.

The minister said while Ebola was imported into the country through only one person, Lassa fever is endemic in the country; hence the approach to the two diseases cannot be the same.

He added that current cases of the fever could not be said to be resurgence because the country had been having outbreaks with 1,700 cases recorded in 2012.

Adewole said what has happened was that for the first time in the history of the country, the government was now being transparent and open on the cases.

He said, “We cannot win the battle against Lassa fever the same way we won the one against Ebola.

“Ebola happened to be a single importation to the country. Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria.

“In 2012, we had upsurge in 26 states. So, it is there but, I can assure you that with what we have put in place this year, we will sign it off,” the Minister added.

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