To prevent outbreaks, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has called for improved border surveillance and advanced kits for early detection of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs).
This call came following results obtained from research conducted in some part of the country between 2018 and 2022.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the monthly institute’s conference in Lagos, the Director of Research at NIMR, Prof. Rosemary Audu, urged improved border scrutiny to prevent impacts that pose a health challenge.
VHFs, a group of illnesses caused by viruses that damage the blood vessels and can cause severe bleeding.
While sharing the findings, Audu, a professor of Medical Virology stated that the research conducted showed the presence of diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, Lassa fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.
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She highlighted that while some hemorrhagic fever viruses may cause mild symptoms such as body aches and fatigue, they can also lead to severe complications, including organ damage, internal bleeding, and death.
Strengthening monitoring at the country’s entry points, she noted, is essential for identifying travellers carrying these infections, as they pose a significant health risk.
“Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, particularly VHFs, are common in Nigeria,” she stated.
“From the results I have presented so far, there is a need to enhance the diagnostic capacity of detecting these viral infections in patients with fever. Beyond malaria, there are other things that can cause illness in a patient.
“Health workers should have a high index of suspicion, as there are many other things that can cause illnesses that anti-malaria drugs cannot address.”
She explained that the primary equipment used for testing and research on VHFs in the country is the PCR machine, but access remains limited as only a few laboratories have the necessary facilities.
Additionally, she emphasised the need to strengthen surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases, particularly at border entry points.
“We still need to improve on what we have,” she said. “We need to probably get cellulose kits that will be available for labs to use in the country to detect VHFs for proper management, though they are expensive.”
The expert further disclosed that the NIMR team plans to expand VHF surveillance by conducting studies on viral infections in other regions.
However, she pointed out that inadequate and inconsistent funding continues to hinder research efforts.
She urged relevant authorities to prioritise funding for infectious disease research to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness for future outbreaks.
