Nigeria has recorded seven new cases of Lassa fever in the week spanning July 22 to July 28, 2024, according to the latest report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The cases were reported across three states: Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi, raising concerns about the continued spread of the disease in the country.
In the NCDC’s week 30 situation report, it was noted that while no deaths were reported during this period, the cumulative number of fatalities due to Lassa fever in 2024 has reached 163.
This represents a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.0%, a slight decrease from the 17.3% recorded during the same period in 2023.
The report also highlighted that a significant proportion of the confirmed cases in 2024—66%—originated from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.
The remaining 34% were distributed across 25 other states, underscoring the widespread nature of the disease. In total, 28 states have reported at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever this year, affecting 125 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from various body openings.
The NCDC report also shed light on the challenges facing the fight against Lassa fever in Nigeria. Key among these challenges is the late presentation of cases, which has contributed to the high CFR.
Additionally, the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever has deterred many from seeking timely medical attention.
Other challenges include poor environmental sanitation conditions in high-burden communities, which facilitate the spread of the disease, and a lack of awareness about Lassa fever in these areas.
The NCDC emphasized the need for improved public health education, better environmental sanitation practices, and increased access to affordable healthcare to reduce the burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
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