The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported seven new cases of Lassa fever across three states in its latest situation report for week 30 of 2024, covering the period from July 22 to 28.
The states affected have not been disclosed, but the report underscores the ongoing threat of the viral hemorrhagic fever in Nigeria.
Although no deaths were recorded during the reporting week, the NCDC revealed that a total of 163 deaths have been reported so far in 2024, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.0 percent. This figure is slightly lower than the 17.3 percent CFR reported during the same period in 2023.
The report indicates that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states remain the epicenters of the Lassa fever outbreak, accounting for 66 percent of all confirmed cases in 2024. The remaining 34 percent of cases were reported from 25 other states.
In total, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever, affecting 125 Local Government Areas.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, or through direct contact with contaminated persons.
Symptoms of the disease range from fever, headache, sore throat, and general body weakness to more severe manifestations such as unexplainable bleeding from various body openings.
The NCDC’s report also highlighted several challenges in combating Lassa fever in the country. Among these are the late presentation of cases, which has contributed to the high CFR, and poor health-seeking behavior, exacerbated by the high cost of treatment and clinical management.
Additionally, the report cited poor environmental sanitation conditions and low awareness in high-burden communities as significant obstacles to controlling the spread of the disease.
The NCDC continues to emphasize the importance of early detection and prompt treatment to reduce the mortality rate associated with Lassa fever.
The agency also calls for improved public awareness and environmental sanitation practices, particularly in communities most affected by the disease.