The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported seven new cases of Lassa fever across Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi states. The cases, recorded between July 22 and July 28, highlight the ongoing challenge of managing the viral hemorrhagic illness in Nigeria.
According to a statement released on Friday, August 9, via the NCDC’s official website, Edo State reported four of the new cases, Bauchi State registered two, and Kogi State confirmed one case. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded during this period.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or through contact with infected persons. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from various body openings.
The NCDC also provided an update on the Lassa fever situation in 2024, revealing that a total of 163 deaths have been reported so far this year, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0 percent. This rate is slightly lower than the 17.3 percent recorded during the same period in 2023.
The public health agency noted that 66 percent of the confirmed cases in 2024 were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, while the remaining 34 percent were spread across 25 other states. In total, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever across 125 local government areas.
The NCDC identified several challenges in the fight against Lassa fever, including the late presentation of cases, which contributes to a higher CFR, poor health-seeking behavior due to the high cost of treatment, and inadequate clinical management of the disease. Additionally, poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities and low awareness among the public were cited as ongoing concerns.
The agency emphasized that individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 were the most affected during the reporting period, though it was noted that no health workers were infected.
In response to the surge in cases, the NCDC has called for heightened surveillance and preventive measures across the country. The public is urged to adhere to safety protocols and to report any symptoms to local health authorities promptly. The NCDC is also intensifying efforts to trace contacts and implement control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely and working with state health authorities to ensure a coordinated response. The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will continue to coordinate efforts at all levels to combat the disease.