By Nurat Uthman
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,068 cases of Lassa fever in 28 states and 112 local government areas.
This information was shared on the NCDC’s official website in their Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (Sep. 11 -17, 2023).
According to the centre, 75% of the cases were found in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, primarily found in West Africa, including 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.
The NCDC has identified 7,352 individuals with suspected cases, and the infection has unfortunately resulted in the death of at least 181 people in the country. The case-fatality ratio is 16.9%.
Since the beginning of 2023, at least one confirmed case has been reported in 28 states and 112 local government areas.
The majority of confirmed cases (75%) are from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while the remaining 25% are from 25 other states.
Ondo reported 35% of the confirmed cases, Edo accounted for 29%, and Bauchi had 11%.
The age group most affected is between 21 and 30 years, with a range of 1 to 93 years and a median age of 32 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases has increased compared to the same period in 2022.
In 2023, 49 healthcare workers across the country have been infected with Lassa fever.
The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to coordinate response activities at all levels.
Prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, practicing good personal hygiene, and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.
Early diagnosis and prompt medical care are crucial in managing the disease and preventing complications.
