In a recent report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), it has been revealed that Lassa fever has claimed the lives of 188 individuals in 28 states across the country. These grim statistics are based on 1,095 confirmed cases of the disease in 113 local government areas.
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus of the arenavirus family, is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness. Its transmission occurs predominantly through contact with Mastomys rats, which contaminate food and household items with their urine and feces. This disease is endemic in certain regions of West Africa, posing a significant public health challenge.
Factors such as poor environmental sanitation, lack of awareness, and delayed presentation of cases contribute to the spread of this epidemic in Nigeria. The NCDC reports a total of 7,724 suspected cases thus far, with a death toll of 188. This brings the case-fatality ratio to 17.2 percent for the current outbreak.
It is worth noting that despite the severity of the situation, the CFR for this year’s outbreak is slightly lower than the previous year. From week one to week 41 of 2023, there have been 188 deaths reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 17.2 percent, compared to 18.9 percent during the same period in 2022.
Out of the 28 states affected, the highest number of confirmed Lassa fever cases comes from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi. These three states account for 75 percent of all reported cases, with Ondo reporting 35 percent, Edo 29 percent, and Bauchi 11 percent. The age group most affected by this disease ranges from 21 to 30 years, although cases have been recorded from individuals as young as one and as old as 93. Additionally, the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases stands at 1:0.9.
These figures highlight the urgent need for increased public awareness, improved environmental sanitation, and prompt medical attention. The NCDC and relevant authorities are working tirelessly to contain the spread of Lassa fever and mitigate its impact on the Nigerian population.
Let us all remain vigilant and proactive in adopting preventive measures to combat the further spread of this deadly disease. Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by Lassa fever and protect the health and well-being of our nation.
