Lassa Fever surge: NCDC confirms 9 new cases in Ondo and Edo

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), has confirmed nine new cases of Lassa Fever in Ondo and Edo states, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,018 in 2024.

The NCDC revealed the information while giving its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, on its website.

The agency recorded a sharp increase with four cases in the previous week, pushing the year’s infections and death tolls to alarming levels.

According to the NCDC, Nigeria is experiencing a significant surge in Lassa fever cases, with a total of 1,018 infections reported across 28 states in 2024.

“As of week 39 (September 23-29), Nigeria recorded 172 deaths, reflecting a marginal rise in Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9%, compared to 16.8% during the same timeframe in 2023.”

It noted that the new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo State, two states among Nigeria’s top three Lassa Fever hotspots that account for 68 percent of all confirmed cases in 2024.

The agency said that “Ondo reported 28 per cent (28%) of the cases, Edo 23 per cent (23%) and Bauchi, 17 per cent (17%).”

The NCDC said the majority of Lassa Fever cases affected individuals between 31 and 40 years old, with a balanced distribution between males and females.

It said “no healthcare personnels were infected during the reporting period, a positive sign amidst the outbreak.”

The Nigerian disease control center expressed concern over the rising number of fatalities from the disease, despite concerted nationwide efforts to curb its spread.

It stated that “ limited access to treatment, compounded by existing challenges, poses a substantial threat to the country’s ability to reduce Lassa fever-related deaths.

The NCDC identified late case presentation, poor health-seeking practices, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden areas as key contributors to the elevated CFR.

The center said the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG), is actively coordinating response activities to combat the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

” To keep stakeholders informed, alerts are being sent through the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS) about ongoing efforts to tackle the outbreak.”

The agency reported that its partners have implemented a range of strategic interventions to enhance efforts aimed at combating the Lassa fever outbreak.

Meanwhile, to combat the Lassa fever outbreak effectively, public health experts emphasize the importance of joint efforts from both government agencies and the general public.

Lassa fever in Nigeria

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine, or feces.

Lassa Fever has become a significant concern in Nigeria, with the country experiencing a large outbreak in 2024.

As of March 2024, there were 4,726 reported cases, with 142 deaths and a case fatality rate of 18.5%.

The outbreak has affected 27 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with 123 Local Government Areas where confirmed cases were reported.

Affected States

Some of the states Lassa has affected include Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Ondo, Plateau, Benue, Cross River, Rivers, Anambra, and Ebonyi.

Transmission and Risk Factors

Lassa fever is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine, or feces, as well as human-to-human contact through bodily fluids.

People likely to be affected

Pregnant women, healthcare workers, and individuals living in endemic areas are at higher risk of being infected with Lassa Fever.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of the  fever include fatigue, headache, muscle pain, fever, and swelling of the face, neck, and arms.

Severe cases can lead to bleeding from the mouth, nose, or gastrointestinal tract, respiratory distress, and renal failure.

Prevention Strategies

To prevent the spread of Lassa Fever, it is essential to maintain a clean environment, store food in sealed containers, avoid contact with rodents and their excreta, and practice good hygiene.

Treatment and Management

Treatment of Lassa typically involves the use of antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, and supportive care, including fluid management and oxygen therapy.

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