The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has stated that Nigeria recorded 10 cases of Lassa fever outbreak across four States in one week.
NCDC revealed this in its latest Lassa fever situation report for week 21. It disclosed that the outbreak occurred between May 20 and 26.
The Centre pointed that the number of confirmed cases increased from four in week 20 to 10 in the reporting week. It also added that the number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2023.
“Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 897 confirmed cases and 162 deaths in 2024. With a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.1 per cent. Which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.1 per cent),” NCDC stated.
According to NCDC, 28 States have confirmed, at least, one case across 125 Local Government Areas (LGA) in 2024.
The Centre also noted that 65 per cent of the confirmed cases were recorded from four states. These are Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Plateau, while 35 per cent was reported from 25 States.
“Of the 65 per cent, Ondo State accounted for 25 per cent, Edo, 22 per cent, and Bauchi, 18 per cent,” it stated.
NCDC said that people between the ages of 31 and 40 are predominantly affected by the disease. It, however, added that no health worker was infected in the reporting week.
“The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues coordinating the response at all levels,” it said.
Recall that Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic (excessive bleeding) illness. It is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or contaminated persons.
Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, and chest pain. And in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
source: Premium Times
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