The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,068 cases of Lassa fever in 112 local government areas across 28 states.
According to the NCDC’s official website on Tuesday, as outlined in the Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (Sep. 11 – 17, 2023).
The center reported that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States accounted for 75 percent of the cases.
According to the report, it has it that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.
The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, specifically the multimammate rat.
According to the NCDC, there are presently 7,352 individuals under suspicion of having the infection, and it has sadly led to the loss of at least 181 lives in the country.
The center reported that the case-fatality ratio for this infection is at 16.9 percent.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 37, 2023, 181 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 16.9 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (19.1 per cent).”
“In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 112 local government areas.”
“Seventy-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.”
“Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent.”
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years).”
“The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022,” it said.
In 2023, it is disheartening to note that Lassa fever affected 49 healthcare workers nationwide.
The agency mentioned that the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre has been mobilized to oversee response efforts at various levels.
Furthermore, it emphasized that preventing Lassa fever includes steering clear of rodents and their excretions, maintaining good personal hygiene, and exercising caution when tending to infected individuals.
The NCDC underscored the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention in effectively managing the disease and averting potential complications.