The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever and 152 deaths, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 18.3 per cent.
This was contained in the Lassa fever situation report posted by the NCDC on its website on Monday.
According to the report, 832 cases were confirmed from suspected cases from 27 states across 126 Local Government Areas from January to April 14, 2024.
In its report, the NCDC noted that in week 15, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 11 in week 14, 2024 to 15, and these were reported in Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo States.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to 15, 2024, 152 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.3 percent which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.3 per cent).
“In total for 2024, 27 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 126 LGAs.
“Sixty-five (65 per cent) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 35 per cent were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 65 percent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25 per cent, Edo 23 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent,” it stated.
The NCDC added that the predominant age group affected is 31 to 40 years (Range: 1 to 98 years, Median Age: 32 years), and the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1.
The figures indicated that the number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2023.
Furthermore, 32 healthcare workers have been infected with the virus, indicating a significant occupational risk.
The NCDC affirmed the activation of the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts across all levels.