The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday that suspected cases of Lassa fever in the country have increased to 6,902 over a span of six months. These cases were identified in 125 Local Government Areas across 28 states from January to June 23, 2024.
The data further indicates that there have been 920 confirmed cases, with the number of deaths remaining at 162, resulting in a case fatality rate of 17.6% since week 20 of the current year.
Lassa fever is defined by the World Health Organization as an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family.
Humans typically contract the Lassa virus by coming into contact with food or household objects contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. This disease is prevalent in the rodent population in various parts of West Africa.
“In week 25, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from seven in epi-week 24, 2024 to two cases. These were reported in Edo State.
“Cumulatively from weeks one to 25, 2024, 162 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 17.6 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (20.0 per cent).
“In total for 2024, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 LGAs,” the report partly read.
The NCDC reported that 66% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases came from three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while the remaining 34% came from 25 other states with confirmed cases; specifically, Ondo accounted for 26% of the 66%, Edo 22%, and Bauchi 18%.
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“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 98 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1,” it added.
Lassa fever is commonly found in several West African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, and may also be present in other countries in the region.
“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 highlighted.
