NCDC Reports Surge in Lassa Fever Cases, 20 Deaths Across 16 States

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter

Map of Nigeria showing the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Click on image to enlarge.

FRIDAY, March 22, 2024 - Nigeria is battling a worrying spike in Lassa fever cases, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reporting 109 new confirmed infections and 20 deaths across 16 states in just one week. 

The cases were recorded from February 26 to March 3, marking a significant increase from the 96 cases reported the previous week. The affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Ebonyi, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Adamawa, Anambra, Rivers, Ogun, and Oyo.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Symptoms range from fever, headache and weakness to severe bleeding from body openings.

Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, new cases and fatalities continue mounting across the country. The NCDC's latest cumulative report for weeks 1 to 9 of 2024 is sobering - 682 confirmed cases and 128 deaths nationwide, yielding an 18.8% case fatality rate higher than 16.1% during the same period last year.

"The number of suspected cases has also increased compared to the previous year, with eight new healthcare workers affected in reporting week 9 alone," the NCDC stated in its situation report.  

Three states - Ondo, Edo and Bauchi - account for 62% of all confirmed cases, while the remaining 38% span across 24 other states. The 31-40 age group is worst affected, with a 1:0.9 male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases.

Responding to the escalating crisis, the NCDC has activated its multi-agency National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate containment efforts nationwide.

Health authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene and promptly seek medical care for any suspected Lassa symptoms to curb further transmission of this persistent viral threat.

"Early detection and appropriate patient management are crucial to controlling this outbreak," said NCDC Director-General at the time of the report, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa. "We must all play our part to protect our communities."

The surge highlights the continuing public health challenges Nigeria faces from Lassa fever and other infectious diseases, underscoring the need for robust prevention, preparedness and response capabilities.

Source: Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria.

Published: March 22, 2024

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