The NCDC said this via its official website on Tuesday in
its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (Sep. 11 -17, 2023).
The centre indicated that 75 per cent of the cases were
detected in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa
virus. It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone,
Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.
The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the
urine or feces of infected rodents, specifically the multimammate rat.
According to the NCDC, there are currently 7,352 individuals
with suspected cases and the infection has resulted in the unfortunate loss of
at least 181 lives in the country.
The centre said that the case-fatality ratio of the
infection stood at 16.9 per cent.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 37, 2023, 181 deaths have
been reported with a case fatality rate of 16.9 per cent which is lower than
the CFR for the same period in 2022 (19.1 per cent).
“In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one
confirmed case across 112 local government areas.
“Seventy-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases
were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent
were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
“Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per
cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1
to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years).
“The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The
number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same
period in 2022,” it said.
It is regretted that in 2023 Lassa fever infected 49
healthcare workers across the country.
The agency said that the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner,
Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre had been activated to coordinate the
response activities at all levels.
It added that prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding
contact with rodents and their droppings, practising good personal hygiene and
taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.
The NCDC said that early diagnosis and prompt medical care
are crucial in managing the disease and preventing complications. NAN