The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a significant rise in Lassa fever cases for week 39 of 2024, particularly in Ondo and Edo states, which recorded nine new confirmed infections.
This information was shared via the NCDC’s official website, drawing from its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report.
This uptick in cases, up from the four recorded the previous week, raises concerns about the overall progression of the outbreak.
The NCDC reported that “the country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to 1,018 across 28 states.”
The cumulative impact of the outbreak has been severe, with the number of deaths reaching concerning levels.
“As of week 39 (September 23-29), 172 deaths have been reported, reflecting a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9 per cent, compared to 16.8 per cent in the same period in 2023,” the NCDC added.
The latest confirmed cases were from Ondo and Edo states, two of the regions most affected by the virus. These two states, along with Bauchi, account for the majority of cases in the country this year.
The report noted, “Ondo reported 28 per cent of the cases, followed by Edo with 23 per cent and Bauchi, 17 per cent.”
The disease has primarily impacted individuals between the ages of 31 and 40, with the burden equally shared between male and female patients.
Thankfully, no healthcare workers were affected in this reporting period, a silver lining amidst the increasing case numbers.
Despite various interventions aimed at containing the spread, the rising death toll is cause for concern.
The NCDC pointed to late presentations of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities as critical factors driving the high fatality rate.
Additionally, access to timely treatment remains limited, particularly in rural areas where healthcare facilities are under-resourced, heightening the challenges faced in controlling the disease.
The NCDC assured that the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group is actively coordinating response efforts, with alerts sent via the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System to reinforce ongoing measures.
Additionally, partners have deployed a range of interventions to support efforts to combat the outbreak.
As climate change intensifies, the threat posed by Lassa fever continues to grow, with an estimated 700 million people globally at risk, according to the World Health Organisation.
The virus, known for causing severe outbreaks, manifests in symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle pain, with more severe cases involving facial swelling and bleeding.
Survivors may face long-term complications, including hearing loss, underscoring the seriousness of the disease.
With the country grappling with the ongoing outbreak, public health experts are calling for increased collaboration between the government and the public to prevent further fatalities and mitigate the virus’s spread.