The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has recorded 5,669 suspected Lassa fever cases and 152 deaths with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.3 per cent.
This is according to the Lassa fever situation report posted on its website on Monday.
The infectious disease agency reported that 832 cases have been confirmed among suspected cases spanning 27 states and 126 LGAs from January to April 14, 2024.
In its report, the NCDC noted that in week 15, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 11 in week 14 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 per cent which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.3 per cent).
“In total for 2024, 27 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 126 LGAs.
“65 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 35 per cent were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 65 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25 per cent, Edo 23 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent,” it said.
It said the predominant age group affected 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 agency 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.
About Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir for the virus is the Mastomys natalensis rodent (commonly known as the multimammate rat or the African rat).
Other rodents can also be carriers of the virus.
Lassa fever initially presents like other common illnesses accompanied by a fever, such as malaria. Other symptoms include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
The time between infection and the appearance of symptoms of the disease is three to 21 days, but early diagnosis and treatment of the disease greatly increase the chances of patient survival.
Lassa fever remains a major public health challenge as poor environmental sanitation, poor awareness, and late presentation of cases fuel the epidemic in Nigeria.