NCDC Announces 1,025 Lassa Fever Cases, Reporting 174 Deaths

NCDC Announces 1,025 Lassa Fever Cases, Reporting 174 DeathsThe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 1,025 cases of Lassa fever from 8,484 suspected cases reported between January 1 and October 6, 2024, across 28 states and 128 local government areas. The outbreak has resulted in 174 deaths, yielding a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0%.

This information was detailed in the Lassa fever situation report for week 40, released by the NCDC. According to the World Health Organization, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family.

Transmission typically occurs when humans come into contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in rodent populations across parts of West Africa, including countries like Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria.

The NCDC’s report indicated a decrease in new confirmed cases, with only seven cases reported in week 40, down from nine in the previous week, primarily in Ondo and Edo States.

From week 1 to week 40 of 2024, the cumulative death toll remains at 174, with the CFR consistent with the same period in 2023. A total of 28 states have reported at least one confirmed case this year, with Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi accounting for 68% of cases. Specifically, Ondo reported 28%, Edo 23%, and Bauchi 17% of confirmed cases.

The most affected age group is 31-40 years, with a median age of 32. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:1. The number of suspected cases has risen compared to the same timeframe in 2023.

The report also noted that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response activities across all levels.

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