The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,068 Lassa fever cases spread across 112 local government areas within 28 states of the federation.
This information was conveyed through the NCDC’s official website on Tuesday, as part of its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (September 11 – 17, 2023).
The NCDC further revealed that 75% of these cases were identified in the states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, primarily afflicts West African countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
Human transmission occurs through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, particularly the multimammate rat.
As per the NCDC, there are currently 7,352 individuals under suspicion of having the disease, with at least 181 lives lost due to infection in the country. The case-fatality ratio for this infection stands at 16.9% .
The NCDC also noted:
Tragically, in 2023, 49 healthcare workers across the country contracted Lassa fever.
The agency emphasized that the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to oversee response activities at all levels.
It also stressed the importance of preventing Lassa fever through measures such as avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta, maintaining good personal hygiene, and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.
Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention are crucial in managing the disease and preventing complications, according to the NCDC.