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Nigeria Records 6,902 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases, 162 Deaths In 2024
The NCDC reported a rise in suspected Lassa fever cases to 6,902 across 125 LGAs in 28 states, with 920 confirmed cases and 162 deaths as of June 23, 2024
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the number of suspected Lassa fever cases in Nigeria has surged to 6,902, according to the latest figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) as of Thursday.
These cases have been reported across 125 Local Government Areas in 28 states between January and June 23, 2024. The data also revealed 920 confirmed cases and 162 fatalities, with a case fatality rate of 17.6%.
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Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family.
Humans typically contract the virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats.
The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria.
In week 25, the number of new confirmed cases decreased to two, reported in Edo State, from seven in the previous week.
Cumulatively, from weeks one to 25 of 2024, there have been 162 deaths, a decrease from the same period in 2023, which had a case fatality rate of 20%.
Of all confirmed Lassa fever cases this year, 66% have been reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states. Specifically, Ondo accounts for 26%, Edo for 22%, and Bauchi for 18%.
The predominant age group affected is 21 to 30 years, with a median age of 32 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1.
Lassa fever is known to be endemic in several West African countries, including Benin Republic, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria. It may also exist in other West African nations.
The disease can spread from person to person and through laboratory transmission, especially in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.
Suspected Lassa Fever Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of diagnosis and prompt treatment.
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While about 80% of those infected with the Lassa virus show no symptoms, one in five infections can result in severe disease, affecting organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment significantly improves survival rates.
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