Gom Mirian
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the increasing number of Lassa fever cases in 2023, with over 200 deaths reported, including health workers.
According to the agency, the surge in cases has exacerbated the challenge of inadequate human resources for health in the country.
In a Lassa Fever Advisory signed by its Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa, and released on its website on Sunday, NCDC revealed that 28 states and 114 local government areas have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2023.
He said: “As of December 3, 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and a case fatality rate of 17.1%, indicating a potential record number of cases for the year.”
The agency emphasised that its enhanced detection and response strategies have contributed to a comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.
It also highlighted the annual outbreaks of Lassa fever, which have resulted in the infection and death of healthcare workers, further exacerbating the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.
“Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country.
“We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment.
“In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1067 confirmed cases across 27 States and 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs).”
