Lassa Fever Outbreak Sees Increased Cases In Ondo And Edo Regions

Lassa Fever Outbreak Sees Increased Cases In Ondo And Edo RegionsThe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in Lassa fever cases during week 39 of 2024, with both Ondo and Edo states confirming nine new cases each. According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation report, this marks an increase from the four cases recorded in the previous week, contributing to an alarming total of infections and fatalities for the year.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The NCDC indicated that the country is experiencing a significant surge in Lassa fever cases, with a cumulative total of 1,018 infections across 28 states in 2024. “As of week 39 (September 23-29), 172 deaths have been reported, reflecting a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9 percent, up from 16.8 percent during the same period in 2023,” the report stated.

The latest figures show that Ondo and Edo states account for 68 percent of the total confirmed cases in 2024, with Ondo reporting 28 percent of the cases, Edo at 23 percent, and Bauchi at 17 percent. The NCDC noted that the most affected age group is between 31 and 40 years, with an equal gender distribution among patients.

Encouragingly, there were no reported cases among healthcare workers during this reporting period, which is viewed as a positive development amid the surge. The Nigerian public health agency emphasized that despite ongoing efforts to contain the spread of Lassa fever, the increasing death toll remains a serious concern. The high case fatality rate is attributed to delayed diagnoses, inadequate health-seeking behavior, and poor sanitation conditions in heavily affected areas.

These challenges, along with limited treatment availability, pose significant barriers to reducing mortality rates. The NCDC also mentioned that the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) is actively coordinating response efforts, with updates shared through the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS) to keep the public informed.

Lassa fever, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a virus with a high potential for severe outbreaks, is becoming an increasing threat, particularly as global warming may expose around 700 million individuals to risk. Symptoms of the illness include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, and in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding, with many patients experiencing long-term effects like hearing loss.

As Nigeria grapples with the ongoing Lassa fever epidemic, health officials stress the importance of coordinated action from both the government and the public to prevent further deaths.

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