Lassa fever outbreak: NCDC confirms 70 deaths, 358 cases across 10 states

DDM News

ABUJA – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in Lassa fever cases nationwide.

Since January 1, 2024, 70 deaths and 358 confirmed infections have been recorded across 10 states in Nigeria.

According to the latest report released on February 14, a total of 1,552 suspected cases have been documented.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Out of these, 358 cases were confirmed, while 70 people lost their lives due to complications from the disease.

The report reveals that 75% of confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.

Ondo State recorded the highest number, with 133 cases, accounting for 37% of the total confirmed infections.

Edo State followed with 71 cases, representing 20% of the confirmed infections reported so far.

Bauchi State recorded 63 cases, accounting for 18% of the confirmed infections across the country.

Other affected states include Taraba with 56 cases, Ebonyi with 11, Kogi with 10, and Gombe with 8.

Between January 27 and February 2, 68 new cases and 17 additional deaths were recorded across seven states.

The affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Kogi, Gombe, and Ebonyi.

Health experts have raised concerns over the increasing number of infections and fatalities recorded in recent weeks.

Expert warnings and prevention measures

The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, issued a public health advisory on February 13, warning of the outbreak’s severity.

He explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated by infected rodent urine or faeces.

The multimammate rat, a common rodent in Africa, is the primary carrier of the Lassa fever virus.

The virus can also spread from person to person through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Bodily fluids such as blood, urine, vomit, and faeces can transmit the virus from one person to another.

Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease.

He advised people to store food in rodent-proof containers and ensure proper waste disposal to reduce rodent infestation.

Individuals experiencing fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, or unexplained bleeding should seek medical attention immediately.

Government response and treatment efforts

The federal government has activated emergency response measures in all affected states to contain the outbreak.

Medical teams have been deployed to monitor cases, trace contacts, and provide necessary treatment for infected individuals.

The NCDC is collaborating with state health ministries and international health organizations to improve disease surveillance.

Efforts are being made to strengthen diagnostic capabilities and increase public awareness about the virus.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid self-medication, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring mostly between November and April.

Health experts warn that without urgent intervention, more states may record cases in the coming weeks.

The NCDC reassured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to control the outbreak and reduce fatalities.

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