The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has initiated a comprehensive Incident Management System to oversee response efforts across all levels through its Emergency Operations Centre. This move, as announced on the NCDC's official website, aims to coordinate actions in light of the recorded cases of Lassa fever.
The NCDC revealed that there have been 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 152 deaths, indicating a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 percent. With 832 cases confirmed across 27 states and 126 Local Government Areas from January to April 14, the Centre underscores the need for a coordinated response.
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted through contact with infected Mastomys rats' urine or faeces, and is endemic in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria. The disease can also spread through person-to-person contact and laboratory infections, particularly in healthcare settings without adequate infection prevention and control measures.
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital, as the overall case-fatality rate is one percent and approximately 15 percent for severe cases. The NCDC's report for week 15 indicates an increase in new confirmed cases compared to the same period in 2023, with Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounting for 65 percent of confirmed cases. The most affected age group is 31 to 40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The report also highlights a rise in suspected cases compared to the previous year, with 32 infections among healthcare workers.
