Lassa fever cases rise to 676 in nine weeks, says NCDC

igeria recorded 676 cases of Lassa fever in nine weeks, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.

One hundred and nine deaths have been reported since January from 22 states and 89 local governments.

Latest epidemiological report by NCDC showed between February 27 to March 5, (Week Nine), 40 cases and five deaths were recorded in five states and 16 councils.

The states are: Ondo (11), Edo (16), Bauchi (five), Taraba (five), and Ebonyi (three).

Five deaths were recorded in Ondo (two), Bauchi (one), Ebonyi (two) states.

The report showed 72 per cent of Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 28 per cent were from two states.

Of the 72 per cent, Ondo had 33, Edo 29, and Bauchi 10.

It said: “Cumulatively, from Week One to Nine, 109 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16.1 per cent, lower than the CFR for same period in 2022 (18.6).

“Predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for same period in 2022. One new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting Week Nine.

“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to coordinate response activities.”