NCDC Confirms 80 Deaths, 413 Cases of Lassa Fever Across 11 States
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 fatalities and 413 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 11 states from February 3rd to 9th, 2024. This outbreak has resulted in a fatality rate increase to 19.4%, up from 17.5% during the same timeframe last year.
According to the NCDC, the states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi represent 73% of all confirmed cases, with Ondo alone accounting for 34%. Although there has been a decrease in new cases from 68 the previous week to 54, the rising number of deaths remains a significant concern.
The age group most affected by the disease is between 21 and 30 years, with a slightly higher incidence in males compared to females.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System and dispatched rapid response teams to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue states. The measures being implemented include:
- Training healthcare professionals on early detection and treatment protocols
- Enhancing surveillance and case management practices
- Distributing medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medications
The agency is urging the public to adopt preventive measures, including proper food storage, maintaining cleanliness in their environments, and avoiding contact with rodents. Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding are strongly encouraged to seek prompt medical care.
As part of its preventive initiatives, the NCDC, in partnership with Breakthrough Action Nigeria and other collaborators, is organizing a nationwide rodent control and awareness campaign aimed at reducing the spread of the disease.
Given the escalating fatality rate, the NCDC continues to stress the importance of early detection and swift response as critical strategies for managing the outbreak.
