Ondo and Edo states have reported nine new confirmed cases of Lassa fever, pushing the total number of infections in Nigeria for 2024 to 1,018 across 28 states, according to the latest data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC stated this on Saturday on its official website, based on the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report in week 39.
It highlighted a concerning rise in cases, stating, “The country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to 1,018.”
This increase comes as fatalities also rise, with 172 deaths reported this year, reflecting a slight uptick in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9 per cent.
Lassa fever, identified as a pathogen with a high potential for severe outbreaks by the World Health Organisation, poses a growing threat exacerbated by climate change.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding. Survivors may suffer long-term complications such as deafness.
The NCDC report noted that Ondo accounted for 28 per cent of the cases, while Edo contributed 23 per cent, emphasising that these two states, along with Bauchi, account for 68 per cent of all confirmed cases this year.
The predominant age group affected is between 31 and 40 years, with equal male and female representation.
Despite ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak, challenges remain, including late presentation of cases and inadequate environmental sanitation.
The NCDC continues to coordinate response activities, stating, “Our partners have rolled out various interventions to tackle the menace.”
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