NCDC Confirms 413 Lassa Fever Cases, Records 80 Deaths
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6, covering February 3 to 9.
In an update on its official website, the agency noted that the case fatality rate (CFR) had increased to 19.4 percent, up from 17.5 percent in the same period last year.
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, 73 percent of confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo accounting for 34 percent, Edo 21 percent, and Bauchi 18 percent. The report further indicated that 63 local government areas across the 11 states had reported confirmed cases.
“In spite of a drop in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate,” the NCDC stated.
The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. While no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded this week, delayed case presentations have contributed to the increasing fatality rate.
The agency highlighted poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges in controlling the outbreak.
To strengthen response efforts, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS).
“The key interventions include the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue,” it stated.
Other measures include training healthcare workers in case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhancing surveillance and contact tracing, and distributing essential response supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags. Community sensitization and risk communication campaigns are also being intensified in hotspot areas.
The agency is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and overall outbreak response.
Nigerians have been urged to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking early medical attention if symptoms like fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding occur.
“As the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is intensifying case management training, rapid response coordination, and infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread,” the agency stated.
A nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign is also being planned in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.
“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232.”
The agency further urged Nigerians to store food properly in sealed containers, keep their homes clean to eliminate rodent hiding places, practice good hand hygiene, avoid bush burning, and seek medical help immediately if experiencing fever, weakness, or bleeding.
“Lassa fever is preventable,” the NCDC emphasized, calling on citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.
(NAN)
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