The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), says it recorded 5,669 suspected Lassa fever cases and 152 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.3 percent.
According to the ‘Lassa Fever Situation Report’ posted on its website on Monday, the NCDC said 832 cases were confirmed from the suspected cases from 27 states across 126 local government areas from January to April 14, 2024.
According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.
Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine, or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.
Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well.
“About 80 per cent of people who become infected with the Lassa virus have no symptoms. 1 in 5 infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys”, WHO said.
In its report, the NCDC noted that in week 15, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 11 in week 14, 2024 to 15, and these were reported in Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo States.
“In total for 2024, 27 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 126 LGAs.
“Sixty-five (65%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three States (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 35% were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 65% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25%, Edo 23%, and Bauchi 17%”, it said.
The figures indicated that the number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2023. The report also showed that 32 healthcare workers have been infected with the virus so far.
The agency, however, said the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response at all levels at the Emergency Operations Centre.
