The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that there were a total of 676 cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria over a period of nine weeks. Since January, there have been 109 reported deaths across 22 states and 89 local governments. The latest epidemiological report by the NCDC, which covers the period from February 27 to March 5 (Week Nine), indicates that there were 40 new cases and five deaths in five states and 16 local councils.
These states were Ondo (which reported 11 cases), Edo (which reported 16 cases), Bauchi (which reported five cases), Taraba (which reported five cases), and Ebonyi (which reported three cases). Of the five deaths, two occurred in Ondo, one in Bauchi, and two in Ebonyi.
According to the report, the majority (72%) of Lassa fever cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while the remaining 28% were spread across two other states. Ondo had the highest number of cases, with 33 reported, followed by Edo with 29 cases, and Bauchi with 10 cases. It’s worth noting that these three states have reported the highest number of Lassa fever cases in recent years.
NCDC said: “Cumulatively, from Week One to Nine, 109 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16.1 per cent, lower than the CFR for same period in 2022 (18.6).
“Predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for same period in 2022. One new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting Week Nine.
“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to coordinate response activities.”
