NCDC Confirms 37 Deaths From Lassa Fever In Three Weeks

The confirmed cases, according to the center, were found in 50 local government areas (LGAs) in 16 states.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 37 people have died from Lassa fever in the first three weeks of 2023.

In its Lassa Fever Situation Report, which came out on Tuesday, the center pointed out that the number of deaths was 15.1% of the 244 confirmed cases in 50 local government areas (LGAs) in 16 states.

The NCDC reports that in week three, there were 18 deaths (13.1%) out of 137 confirmed cases in 37 LGAs across 14 states.

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“These three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) accounted for 79 (seventy-nine) percent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases, while 13 other states with confirmed cases of the disease accounted for 21% of all cases.” Ondo reported 37% of the 79% confirmed cases, Edo reported 36%, and Bauchi reported 5%.

“Affected people are mostly between the ages of 21 and 30.” (Range: 1 to 79 years; median age: 30 years). For confirmed cases, the male-to-female ratio is 1:0.9.

“Two new healthcare professionals were impacted in the reporting week 3; the number of suspected cases increased in comparison to that reported for the same period in 2022.”

The report states, in part, that the “National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response actions at all levels.”