Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 1,018 cases of Lassa fever from 8,411 suspected cases between January 1 and September 29, 2024. The cases span 28 states and 128 local government areas nationwide.
According to the NCDC’s report, 172 deaths have been recorded, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 16.9%, slightly higher than last year’s figure of 16.8% for the same period.
Lassa fever, as explained by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. Infection typically occurs through exposure to food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, which are common in parts of West Africa where the disease is endemic.
“Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures,” the WHO stated.
The NCDC’s report further noted, “In week 39, the number of new confirmed cases increased from four in epidemiology week 38, 2024, to nine. These were reported in Ondo and Edo States.”
So far, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case in 2024, with 68% of all cases concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states. The breakdown shows that Ondo accounted for 28%, Edo for 23%, and Bauchi for 17% of the total confirmed cases.
The most affected age group is between 31 and 40 years, with the median age being 32 years, and the male-to-female ratio of confirmed cases is 1:1.
The NCDC also highlighted that the number of suspected cases in 2024 has increased compared to the same period in 2023. The report added, “No new healthcare worker was affected in week 39.
The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues coordinating the response activities at all levels.”
The centre said it remains vigilant, as Lassa fever continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.