The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced seven new cases of Lassa fever in Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi states, reported between July 22 and July 28.
This highlights the ongoing struggle to manage the viral hemorrhagic disease in the country.
According to a statement released on August 9 via the NCDC’s official website, Edo State recorded four of the new cases, Bauchi had two, and Kogi confirmed one case. Fortunately, no deaths were reported during this period.
Lassa fever, a severe viral hemorrhagic illness, is spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or direct contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, and general weakness, with severe cases potentially involving unexplained bleeding.
The NCDC also provided an update on the Lassa fever situation in 2024, revealing that 163 deaths have been reported so far this year, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0 percent, slightly lower than the 17.3 percent recorded during the same period in 2023.
The report noted that 66 percent of confirmed cases in 2024 came from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with the remaining 34 percent spread across 25 other states. In total, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 local government areas.
The NCDC highlighted several challenges in combating Lassa fever, including late presentation of cases leading to a higher CFR, poor health-seeking behavior due to the high cost of treatment, and inadequate clinical management. Other concerns include poor environmental sanitation in high-risk communities and low public awareness.
The agency emphasized that those aged 31 to 40 were the most affected during the reporting period, but fortunately, no health workers were infected.
In response to the rise in cases, the NCDC has called for increased surveillance and preventive measures nationwide. The public is urged to follow safety protocols and report any symptoms to local health authorities immediately. The NCDC is also intensifying efforts to trace contacts and implement control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with state health authorities for a coordinated response. The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will continue to lead efforts at all levels to combat the disease.
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