Nigeria has recorded a total of 829 Lassa fever infections and 160 deaths since the start of 2022, as disclosed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
As per a report released by the agency for week 26, there are a total of 5510 suspected cases of the infection around 98 Government Areas from 24 states.
The report disclosed that 68% of the confirmed cases are from Edo, Ondo and Bauchi states.
During week 26, the total number of new confirmed cases fell from 10 in week 25, 2022, to 9 cases. These were recorded in Edo, Ondo and Benue States.
Cumulatively from week 1 to week 26 of this year, 160 deaths have been recorded with a CFR (case fatality rate) of 19.3%, lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021, which was 20.0%.
In 2022, 24 States are reported to confirm at least one case across 98 LGAs.
The leading age group impacted is 21 to 30 years (Range 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). On the other hand, the ratio of males to females for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
The total number of suspected cases has risen as compared to that recorded for the same period in 2021.
NCDC highlighted that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group persists in coordinating the response activities at all levels of management.
The government has been asked by health experts to control the disease and halt the chain of transmission.
Lagos Chapter, the former chairman of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, stated that the government needs to halt the chain of transmission of Lassa Fever, they know how to do it and assure that they implement the law.
The government needs to create awareness regarding hygiene, hand-washing as well as all the required protocols.
Furthermore, the immediate past president of the National Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, added that prevention is key.
