An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
Feb. 22, 2024
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 411 cases of Lassa fever and 72 fatalities across 21 states of the federation from week one to week six of 2024.
The NCDC said this on Thursday in its latest report.
It stated that the number of new confirmed cases increased from 70 in week five to 83 in week six, with nine deaths recorded in week six, spanning Feb. 5 to Fed. 11.
According to NCDC, 65 per cent of all the confirmed cases were from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, while 35 per cent were reported from 17 states.
The agency said the number of suspected cases in 2024 (2,122) decreased when compared to the figure reported for the same period in 2023 (8,280).
It said the predominant age group affected by Lassa fever was 21-30 years, and two new health workers were affected in the reporting week.
The NCDC said the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System had been activated to coordinate response at all levels at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The agency also listed some of the challenges it faced in its fight against Lassa fever across the country to include late presentation of the cases and poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management.
Other challenges, it said, were poor environmental sanitation and poor awareness observed in high-burden communities.
If in contact with potentially infected individuals, the NCDC urged Nigerians to wear gloves, masks, goggles, and other protective equipment to prevent exposure to bodily fluids.
In areas where Lassa fever is endemic, people are advised to follow safe burial practices to minimise the risk of exposure to the virus from deceased individuals.
“If someone develops symptoms of Lassa fever, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhoea, they should seek medical attention promptly.
“Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the spread of the virus to others,” said NCDC.
