The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 1,095 cases of Lassa fever, spanning 113 Local Government Areas across 28 states.
This information was disclosed in the Lassa Fever situation report for week 41, spanning from October 9 to 15, 2023, as released on Tuesday.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. Humans typically contract the Lassa virus through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats.
The disease is prevalent in the rodent population in certain regions of West Africa.
Lassa fever continues to be a significant public health challenge, with factors such as poor environmental sanitation, low awareness, and delayed case presentation contributing to its spread in Nigeria.
The NCDC reports that there are 7,724 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with the disease claiming the lives of at least 188 individuals in the country. With the current death toll, the agency noted that the outbreak has a case-fatality ratio of 17.2 percent.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 41, 2023, 188 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate of 17.2 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (18.9 per cent).
“In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 113 LGAs.
“Seventy-five of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9,” the report read in part.
Meanwhile, the number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022.
So far this year, the disease has infected 50 healthcare workers in Nigeria.
The NCDC noted that it is conducting intensive response activities through a one-health approach in affected LGAs.
