The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a rise in Lassa fever cases in Ondo and Edo states.
In week 39 of 2024, there were nine new confirmed cases, bringing the total number of infections in Nigeria this year to 1,018 across 28 states.
The NCDC shared this update on its official website, based on the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report.
The agency noted that as of this week, the death toll from Lassa fever has risen to 172, with a Case Fatality Rate of 16.9%. This is a slight increase from 16.8% during the same time last year.
Lassa fever is a serious illness identified by the World Health Organisation. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding. Survivors can suffer from long-term complications, such as deafness.
The NCDC said, “The country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to alarming levels.” It added that Ondo State accounts for 28% of the cases, while Edo State has 23% and Bauchi State has 17%.
The report highlighted that the most affected age group is between 31 and 40 years, with an equal number of male and female patients. Fortunately, no healthcare workers were affected during the reporting week.
The NCDC expressed concern about the rising number of deaths, attributing the high CFR to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate environmental sanitation in areas heavily impacted by the disease. The agency noted, “These challenges, coupled with limited access to treatment, pose significant threats to the country’s ability to reduce fatalities.”
To address this situation, the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group is coordinating response activities. Alerts have been sent through the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System to inform the public of ongoing efforts to combat the disease.
The NCDC has also partnered with various organizations to enhance their strategies in tackling Lassa fever.
