NCDC Reports 411 Confirmed Cases of Lassa Fever in Nigeria, with 72 Deaths


The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that as of February 11, 2024, Nigeria has recorded no fewer than 2,122 suspected cases, 411 confirmed cases, and 72 deaths from Lassa fever.


The confirmed cases were reported in 21 states and 78 local government areas across the country. The NCDC disclosed this information in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for week six, which was posted on its website.


Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, with the Mastomys natalensis rodent being the natural reservoir for the virus.


According to the report, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 70 in epi Week 5, 2024 to 83 in epi Week 6, 2024. These cases were reported in Edo, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kogi, Plateau, Cross River, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Lagos states.


The report also stated that cumulatively from week one to six, 2024, 72 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 17.5 per cent, which is slightly lower than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.6 per cent).


In total for 2024, 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 78 local government areas. Sixty-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, while 35 per cent were reported from 17 other states with confirmed cases. Ondo reported 24 per cent of the cases, Edo 23 per cent, and Bauchi 18 per cent.

No comments:

Post a Comment