The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever, leading to 152 deaths and a Case Fatality Rate of 18.3 per cent.
This information is from the Lassa fever situation report published by the NCDC on its website on Monday.
The NCDC stated that 832 cases were confirmed out of the suspected cases from 27 states covering 126 Local Government Areas between January and April 14, 2024.
According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is a severe viral illness caused by the Lassa virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family.
People usually get infected with the Lassa virus by coming into contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces from infected Mastomys rats. This illness is commonly found in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.
Lassa fever is known to be prevalent in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but it may also exist in other West African countries.
“Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings without adequate infection prevention and control measures.
“It is crucial to diagnose and treat the illness promptly. The overall case-fatality rate is one percent. For hospitalized patients with severe symptoms of Lassa fever, the estimated case fatality is approximately 15%. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves chances of survival.
“Around 80 percent of people infected with the Lassa virus show no symptoms. One out of every five infections leads to severe disease, affecting various organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys,” WHO stated.
In its report, the NCDC mentioned that during week 15, the number of new confirmed cases rose from 11 in week 14, 2024 to 15, and these were reported in Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo States.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to 15, 2024, 152 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.3 percent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.3 percent).
“In total for 2024, 27 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 126 LGAs.
“Sixty-five (65 percent) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while 35 percent were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Ondo reported 25 percent, Edo 23 percent, and Bauchi 17 percent of the 65 percent confirmed cases,” it said.
The National Public Health Institute revealed that the most affected age group is 31 to 40 years (Range: 1 to 98 years, Median Age: 32 years), and the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1.
The numbers showed an increase in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.
The report also indicated that 32 healthcare workers have contracted the virus so far.
However, the agency stated that 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.
