Lassa Fever: NCDC Reports 20 Deaths Across 16 States

Lassa Fever: NCDC Reports 20 Deaths Across 16 States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported new cases of Lassa fever and 20 deaths across 16 states within one week…….READ ALSO Despite Warnings, Enugu Residents Persist In Drinking ‘Garri’ Amid Lassa Fever Concerns

According to the NCDC, this period spans from February 26 to March 3.

The NCDC, through its official website, indicated an increase in confirmed cases from 96 in week eight to an alarming 109 cases in week nine of 2024.

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or individuals.

Its symptoms encompass fever, headache, sore throat, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from various body openings.

Despite concerted efforts, the country grapples with new cases and fatalities, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Lassa fever.

The situation report revealed that Nigeria recorded a cumulative total of 682 confirmed cases and 128 deaths from week one to nine of 2024, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.8%. This CFR is notably higher than the 16.1% recorded for the same period in 2023.

Moreover, the number of suspected cases rose compared to the corresponding period in 2023, with eight healthcare workers newly affected in week nine.

The affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Ebonyi, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Adamawa, Anambra, Rivers, Ogun, and Oyo.

Of all confirmed cases, 62% were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 38% emanated from 24 states with confirmed cases.

The predominant age group affected was 31 to 40 years old, with a male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases standing at 1:0.9.

To address this concerning situation, the National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts at all levels through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).