By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Lassa Fever Outbreak: NCDC reports 6,704 cases and 162 deaths.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 6,704 suspected cases of Lassa fever and 162 deaths across 125 Local Government Areas in 28 states.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report on Lassa fever, as of June 9, 2024, there were 911 confirmed cases from the suspected cases recorded since January.
Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family, and is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. This disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, particularly affecting countries like Nigeria.
The NCDC highlighted that the case fatality rate (CFR) for 2024 stands at 17.8%, slightly higher than the CFR recorded during the same period in 2023 (17.1%).
“In 2024, Lassa fever cases have been reported in 28 states across 125 Local Government Areas. The majority of confirmed cases, 65%, were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo reporting 25%, Edo 22%, and Bauchi 18% of these cases,” the report stated.
The most affected age group is between 21 to 30 years, although cases have been reported in individuals ranging from 1 to 98 years old, with an equal male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases.
Healthcare workers have also been significantly affected, with 33 reported infections.
Lassa fever is endemic in several West African countries besides Nigeria, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as infection prevention measures in healthcare settings to prevent person-to-person transmission.
Lassa fever, NCDC
Lassa Fever Outbreak: NCDC reports 6,704 cases and 162 deaths