NCDC reports 181 fatalities and 1,968 cases of Lassa fever

1,068 Lassa fever infections have been reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) across 112 local government areas and 28 states of the federation.

This was stated by the NCDC on Tuesday in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (Sept. 11–17, 2023) published on its official website.

According to the centre, 75% of the cases were found in the states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi.

The NCDC reports that there are currently 7,352 people with probable cases, and the sickness has sadly claimed at least 181 lives throughout the nation.

According to the centre, the infection’s case-fatality ratio was 16.9%.

“In total, 181 deaths have been reported from week 1 to week 37 in 2023, with a case fatality rate of 16.9%, which is lower than the CFR for the same time period in 2022 (19.1%).

“As of 2023, 112 local government districts in 28 States have at least one confirmed case.

“These three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) accounted for 75% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases, while the remaining 25% were reported from the other 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

“Of the 75% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35%, Edo reported 29%, and Bauchi reported 11%.

“The most affected age range is between the ages of 21 and 30 (range: 1 to 93 years, median age: 32 years).”

“For confirmed cases, the male-to-female ratio is 1:0.9. In comparison to the data recorded for the same period in 2022, more suspected instances were reported, it stated.

It is regrettable that 49 healthcare personnel around the nation contracted Lassa fever in 2023.

Lassa fever can be prevented by avoiding contact with rats and their excrement, adopting good personal hygiene, and taking safety measures when caring for affected people, the article continued.