Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) epidemiological report has shown that 18 in 100 persons infected with Lassa fever are likely to die.

The report said between August 29 to September 4, 10 new cases of Lassa fever were recorded from three states: Ondo (five), Edo (four) and Nasarawa (one).

It pegged the case fatality rate (CFR) of the disease since January at 18.7 per cent.

This brings confirmed cases since January to 909, while deaths rose to 170, with one from Ondo State last week.

NCDC said the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate response activities at all levels.

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It said: “… from Week One to Week  35, 2022, 170 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent, lower than the CFR for 2021 (22.7 per cent).

“… for 2022, 25 states have recorded one confirmed case across 101 local governments. Of all confirmed cases, 70 per cent are from Ondo (31 per cent), Edo (26 per cent), and Bauchi (13 per cent).

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio is 1:0.8. No new healthcare worker affected in the reporting Week 35.”

To reduce the risk of Lassa fever, NCDC advises proper environmental sanitation, and proper disposal of refuse.

It said dumpsites should be far from homes to reduce rodents in homes, and food in containers well covered.

NCDC recommends good personal hygiene; regular hand washing with soap under running water, use of hand sanitisers, and a visit the a health facility if signs and symptoms are noticed.