Nigerian Centre for Disease Control gives update on Lassa fever

Nigeria has recorded rising cases of Lassa fever in week 51 of 2023, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Despite the rising number of infections, the centre declared that it has recorded a lower fatality rate compared to the same period the previous year.

In a comprehensive report on its website, the centre said in week 51 of 2023, the number of new Lassa fever cases increased significantly from 10 in week 50, to 26 cases.

“These cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Plateau states,” it said. “Cummulatively, from week 1 to week 51 of 2023, a total of 215 deaths have been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 17.5 per cent.

It added, “This figure is slightly lower than the record for the same period in 2022, which was 17.9 per cent. Throughout the year 2023, Lassa fever cases was reported in 28 states across 121 local government areas.

“The majority of confirmed cases, accounting for 77 per cent, were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states. Specifically, Ondo state reported 35 per cent of the confirmed cases, Edo reported 28 per cent and Bauchi reported 14 per cent.”

The agency said the age group most affected by the fever was 21 to 30 years, with cases ranging from one to 93 years.

The median age of confirmed cases was 32 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is one and 0.9.

NCDC said the number of suspected cases increased compared to the same period in 2022 and that two healthcare workers were affected in week 51.

Meanwhile, to address the situation, multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOC) have been activated at the national level and in the affected states.

NCDC said challenges faced in combating Lassa fever included the late presentation of cases, leading to an increase in the case fatality rate.

“Poor health-seeking behaviour is also observed due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of the disease. Poor environmental sanitation conditions and low awareness are also observed in high-burden communities,” NCDC stated.

It said the report was based on case-based data retrieved from the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre.

(NAN)