Update on Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 1,018 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 8,411 suspected cases from January 1 to September 29, 2024, across 28 states in Nigeria. Sadly, there have been 172 deaths, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 16.9%.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, typically transmitted to humans through infected Mastomys rats. The disease is prevalent in parts of West Africa, including countries like Benin, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria.
Recent data shows an increase in new confirmed cases in Ondo and Edo States. The majority of cases have been reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, with the most affected age group being 31-40 years old.
The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group is actively coordinating response efforts to combat the outbreak. It is crucial for individuals to practice proper infection prevention and control measures to limit the spread of Lassa fever.