NCDC records 6,902 suspected Lassa fever cases in six months
Written by admin on July 4, 2024
The number of Lassa fever suspected cases in the country has risen to 6,902, the latest figures obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday showed.
The cases were recorded across 125 Local Government Areas in 28 states from January to June 23, 2024.
The data also showed that confirmed cases were 920 and the fatality recorded remained 162 with a case fatality rate of 17.6 per cent since Week 20 of the year.
According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.
In total for 2024, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 LGAs,” the report partly read.
It said 66 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states while 34 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 66 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 26 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 18 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 98 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1,” it added.
Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria but may exist in other West African countries as well.
“Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures.
“Diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. The overall case-fatality rate is one per cent. Among patients who are hospitalised with severe clinical presentation of Lassa fever, case fatality is estimated at around 15 per cent. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.
“About 80 per cent of people who become infected with the Lassa virus have no symptoms. One in five infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
