Seven new cases of Lassa fever have been recorded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in the states of Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi. The cases, which were reported between July 22 and July 28, demonstrate how difficult it is still to control viral hemorrhagic fever in Nigeria.
Four of the new cases were reported by Edo State, two by Bauchi State, and one by Kogi State, according to a statement made public on Friday, August 9, on the NCDC's official website. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported during this time.
Humans can contract Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, by coming into touch with infected individuals or food that has been contaminated by rodents carrying the virus. Fever, headache, sore throat, generalised weakness, and, in more severe cases, unexplained bleeding from various bodily holes is among the symptoms of the condition.
In addition, the NCDC gave an update on the Lassa fever situation in 2024, noting that 163 deaths have been documented so far this year, translating to a 17.0 percent Case Fatality Rate (CFR). Compared to the 17.3 percent observed during the same period in 2023, this percentage is marginally lower.
According to the public health office, states in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi accounted for 66% of confirmed cases in 2024, with the remaining 34% being distributed among 25 other states. Across 125 local government units, 28 states have at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever on record.
The NCDC has identified a number of obstacles in the fight against Lassa fever, such as poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment, inappropriate clinical care of the illness, and late case presentation, which raises the CFR. In addition, low public knowledge and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities were mentioned as persistent issues.
Although no health workers were afflicted, the organisation stressed that those between the ages of 31 and 40 were the most impacted during the reporting period.
The NCDC has recommended increased surveillance and preventive actions nationwide in response to the spike in cases. The public is asked to follow safety procedures and to notify the local health authority as soon as they experience any symptoms. In an effort to stop the disease from spreading, the NCDC is also stepping up its efforts to identify contacts and put control measures in place.
In order to guarantee a coordinated response, the agency reiterated its commitment to continuously monitor the situation and collaborate with state health authorities. In order to tackle the disease, the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will keep coordinating activities at all levels.
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