The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 7 cases of suspected Lassa fever in the country and 163 deaths across 28 states and 125 local government areas.
The NCDC confirmed 958 cases from the suspected cases from January to July, 2024. In the same report, the total number of health workers affected has reached 34.
The agency disclosed the figures in its Lassa fever situation report on its website on July 28, 2024 which represents week 30.
The report indicates that sixty-six percent (66%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from three states
(Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 36% were reported from 25 states with confirmed cases. Of the 66% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 26%, Edo 23%, and Bauchi 17%.
According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.
Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.
Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria but may exist in other West African countries as well.
“Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures.
“Diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. The overall case-fatality rate is one per cent. Among patients who are hospitalised with severe clinical presentation of Lassa fever, case fatality is estimated at around 15 per cent. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.
“About 80 per cent of people who become infected with the Lassa virus have no symptoms. One in five infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys,” WHO said.
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