Lassa Fever Outbreak: Nigeria Records 1,025 Confirmed Cases, 174 Deaths

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,025 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 8,484 suspected cases from January 1 to October 6, 2024.

The outbreak spans 28 states and 128 local government areas, with a total of 174 deaths and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0%.

Lassa Fever: A Viral Hemorrhagic Illness

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected Mastomys rats’ urine or feces. The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria.

Key Statistics:

– Confirmed Cases: 1,025

– Suspected Cases: 8,484

– Reported Deaths: 174

– Case Fatality Rate (CFR): 17.0%

– Affected States: 28

– Predominant Age Group: 31-40 years

– Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:1

Transmission and Prevention

Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can occur, especially in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention measures. Proper infection control is crucial to preventing the spread of Lassa fever.

Response Efforts

The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group coordinates response activities nationwide.

Situation Report Highlights:

– In week 40, seven new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo States.

– 68% of confirmed cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.

– The number of suspected cases increased compared to the same period in 2023.