Lassa fever kills over 159 in six months – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, has confirmed that the Lassa fever death toll from January to June 26 has risen to 159.

The NCDC noted this in its latest Lassa fever situation report, It also disclosed that 53 health workers were infected within the period.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever and an acute viral illness. The zoonotic disease has a high morbidity and mortality rate, economic and health security implications.

According to the report, the country has 820 confirmed cases and 5,380 suspected cases of the disease.

The report highlight revealed that the number of new confirmed cases increased from eight in week 24 to 10 cases in week 25. The cases were reported from Ondo and Edo States.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 25 2022, 159 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 19.4%, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (20.8%).

“In total for 2022, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 98 Local Government Areas.

“Of all confirmed 68% cases, 29% are from Ondo, 25% from Edo and 14% from Bauchi state. The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. One new healthcare worker affected in week 25, is from Ondo state.

“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” NCDC noted.

Temitope/Punch