Lassa fever cases soar accompanied by fewer deaths

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed increase in new cases of Lassa fever this year, but with lower fatalities compared to the corresponding period of 2022.

The latest Lassa fever Situation Report, published yesterday by the NCDC, showed: “The number of new confirmed cases increased from 30 in Week 1, 2023 to 77 cases. These were reported from Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Benue, Kogi, Imo, Oyo and Nasarawa states.

“Cumulatively from Weeks 1 to 2, seven deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 7.8 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (11.5 per cent).
“In total for 2023, 10 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs).”

The NCDC report noted that 84 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states, while 16 per cent were reported from seven other states.

According to the disease centre, of the 84 per cent of confirmed cases, Edo reported 39 per cent, Ondo, 37 per cent and Bauchi, eight per cent.

It noted that the predominant age group affected is 21 to 30 years, with range of those affected as one to 79 years, and the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.7.

The centre also observed that the number of suspected cases decreased compared to what was reported for same period in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, yesterday, said Etsako West, Esan West and Esan North East councils were the most affected in the state, urging collaboration of residents to contain the pandemic.

Fielding questions from reporters in Benin City, the commissioner said government has continued to step up surveillance and response activities to curb spread of the disease and ensure well-being of residents.

Obehi said the state has also confirmed one more death from the disease in Esan West council, raising the total number of fatalities to 10.

She added that Edo has recorded 97 confirmed cases, adding that the three most affected cases account for 75 per cent of confirmed cases in the state.

The commissioner said while Etsako West recorded 38 infections of the 97 confirmed cases in the state, Esan West recorded 24, and Esan North East, 19.

Others are Esan Central, three; Esan South East, two; Etsako East, two; Owan East, two; Akoko Edo, two; Ovia North East, two; Oredo, two and Etsako Central, one.

She said the total fatalities recorded in the state were confirmed in Etsako West (four); Esan West (two); Esan North East/NE (two); Etsako East (one) and Oredo (one).

Reiterating the state government’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of residents, the commissioner urged locals to comply with extant health protocols to contain spread of the disease.

Akoria charged: “While the government is implementing a number of measures to prevent spread of the disease in the state, we urge everyone to support its efforts in curbing spread of Lassa fever by complying with guidelines to stay healthy and safe.”

“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; avoid contact with rat urine or faeces; avoid consuming contaminated food or water and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptom of Lassa fever such as fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness.”