By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Lassa fever claims 150 lives in Nigeria
In a troubling development, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported the grim toll of Lassa fever in Nigeria. According to the latest figures from January to March 2024, a total of 150 lives have been lost to this deadly disease across 125 Local Government Areas in 27 states of the federation.
The NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epi Week 13 reveals a concerning trend, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 percent, surpassing last year’s CFR for the same period. Out of 5,295 suspected cases reported, 806 have been confirmed, indicating the severity of the outbreak.
While there’s a slight decrease in new confirmed cases in Week 13 compared to the previous week, the threat remains significant. New cases have been reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo States, underscoring the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Alarming statistics show that 27 states have recorded at least one confirmed case, with Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi bearing the brunt of the epidemic. These three states account for 62 percent of all confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at 24 percent, followed closely by Edo at 22 percent, and Bauchi at 16 percent.
The demographic most affected by Lassa fever is the 31-40 age group, with cases ranging from 1 to 98 years old, and a median age of 32 years. Interestingly, there’s an equal distribution between males and females among confirmed cases, with a ratio of 1:1.
Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, the number of suspected cases has increased compared to the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for more robust intervention measures. The NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts at all levels.
In a glimmer of hope, no new healthcare workers were affected during Week 13. However, the battle against Lassa fever rages on, requiring sustained vigilance and concerted action to stem the tide of this deadly disease.
Lassa fever, Nigeria