The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 54 instances of Lassa fever recorded from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, out of 196 suspected instances.
The NCDC additionally reported 10 deaths, leading to a Case Fatality Fee (CFR) of 18.5%, increased than the CFR of 11.3% recorded in the identical interval in 2024.
Based on the Lassa fever state of affairs report obtained from the NCDC on Saturday, the instances reduce throughout six states and 20 native authorities areas of the nation.
“Cumulatively in week 1, 2025, 10 deaths have been reported with a case fatality price of 18.5% which is increased than the case fatality price for a similar interval in 2024 (11.3%).
“In complete for 2025, six States have recorded at the very least one confirmed case throughout 20 native authorities areas (LGAs).”
Distribution of instances
NCDC famous that 78% of all confirmed Lassa fever instances had been reported from Ondo 35%, Edo 28%, and Bauchi 15%, whereas 22% had been reported from three states with confirmed Lassa fever instances.
The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years, with a spread from 3 to 70 years and a median age of 31.5 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed instances is 1:0.6.
The company disclosed that the variety of suspected instances elevated in comparison with the identical interval in 2024, nevertheless, it added that no new healthcare employee was affected within the reporting week.
Response and preparedness efforts
The Nationwide Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Administration System has been activated to coordinate the response actions in any respect ranges.
In December 2024, Dr. Jide Idris, Director-Normal of the NCDC, introduced that the Emergency Operations Centre had been activated for Lassa fever, and the danger evaluation was categorized as excessive.
The NCDC continues to deal with the continued Lassa fever outbreak, which coincides with the height season.
In 2024, Nigeria recorded 9,685 suspected instances, 1,187 confirmed instances, and 191 deaths throughout 28 states and 138 native authorities areas.
Extra Insights
- Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness attributable to the Lassa virus, which is transmitted primarily via contact with the urine, saliva, or feces of contaminated rats, or via direct contact with the bodily fluids of an contaminated particular person.
- The illness is endemic in elements of West Africa, together with Nigeria, and it tends to peak in the course of the dry season (November to April), when the rats usually search shelter in properties.
- Because of the similarity in signs between Lassa fever and different illnesses like malaria, typhoid, and flu, it’s usually misdiagnosed. Lack of know-how concerning the illness in affected areas additionally complicates efforts to forestall outbreaks.
- Whereas Lassa fever is basically confined to West Africa, worldwide well being organizations, such because the WHO, have raised consciousness of the danger of the illness spreading past endemic areas. Journey restrictions, surveillance, and containment measures are key to stopping international transmission.