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February 23, 2024 – Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sounded the alarm on the escalating threat of Lassa fever across the country, with the latest data revealing a concerning surge in cases and fatalities.
As of February 11, 2024, Nigeria has recorded a staggering 2,122 suspected cases, of which 411 have been confirmed, resulting in 72 tragic deaths. This revelation, disclosed in the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for week six, underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures to contain the outbreak.
Lassa fever, characterized by acute viral hemorrhagic fever, is caused by the Lassa virus, with the Mastomys natalensis rodent serving as its natural reservoir. The disease poses a significant public health challenge, with confirmed cases reported across 21 states and 78 local government areas in Nigeria.
According to the NCDC report, the number of new confirmed cases spiked from 70 in week five to 83 in week six of 2024. These cases have been identified in states including Edo, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kogi, Plateau, Cross River, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Lagos.
The report also highlights the grim reality of the disease’s fatality rate, currently standing at 17.5 percent for 2024, marginally lower than the previous year’s rate. However, with 72 lives lost already this year, the urgency to curb the spread of Lassa fever remains paramount.
Of particular concern is the concentration of cases in specific regions, with 65 percent of confirmed cases originating from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states. Notably, Ondo reported 24 percent of the confirmed cases, followed by Edo with 23 percent, and Bauchi with 18 percent.
The NCDC’s efforts to combat the outbreak include surveillance, case management, and public health education campaigns to raise awareness and prevent further transmission.
As Nigeria grapples with the relentless surge in Lassa fever cases, concerted efforts from health authorities, communities, and individuals are essential to mitigate the impact of this deadly disease and safeguard public health nationwide.
