The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 6,704 suspected Lassa fever cases and 162 deaths from 125 Local Government Areas in 28 States. The NCDC confirmed 911 cases from suspected cases between January to June 9, 2024.

On Friday, 21 June 2024, the agency released the statistics in its Lassa fever situation report, which was posted on its website. According to the World Health Organization, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.

Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus after coming into contact with food or household objects contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. In some parts of West Africa, the disease is endemic among rodent populations.

The NCDC said that the case fatality rate (17.8%) is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.1%). “As of 2024, 28 states have at least one confirmed case across 125 Local Government Areas.

“Sixty-five percent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while 35 percent were reported from 25 States with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 65% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25%, Edo 22%, and Bauchi 18%.

“The most affected age group 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 stated. So far, the virus has infected 33 healthcare personnel across the country.

Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but it may also occur in other West African nations. “Inadequate infection prevention and control procedures in hospital settings can lead to person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission.

“Diagnosis and immediate treatment are critical. The overall case fatality rate is 1%. The case fatality rate among patients admitted to the hospital with severe clinical manifestations of Lassa fever is approximated at 15%. Early supportive care, including rehydration and symptomatic therapy, increases survival.

“Approximately 80% of those who become infected with the Lassa virus show no symptoms. According to WHO, one in every five infections results in severe disease, in which the virus damages multiple organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.”

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