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Lassa fever

Lassa Fever Surge Imminent in Nigeria, NCDC Warns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning about an impending surge in Lassa fever cases in the country. NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, announced that as the country approaches the Lassa fever season, which typically occurs annually, there is a potential increase in cases expected over the next few months. The warning comes as the country reports 7,973 suspected Lassa fever cases, with 982 confirmed cases and 168 deaths, resulting in a 17.1 per cent case fatality rate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned of an impending surge in Lassa fever cases in the country.
  • The surge is expected due to the country's approach to the Lassa fever season, which typically occurs annually.
  • As of the announcement, there were 7,973 suspected Lassa fever cases, with 982 confirmed cases and 168 deaths, resulting in a 17.1 per cent case fatality rate.
  • The country has also reported a decline in disease outbreaks across the country, with significant reductions in yellow fever, diphtheria, and cholera cases.
  • Diphtheria cases have been reported in 21 states and 170 local government areas, with 7,784 confirmed cases.
  • Yellow fever has been reported in 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with 1,728 suspected cases and 43 confirmed cases.
  • The NCDC recommends vaccination as the best prevention for both Lassa fever and yellow fever.

Statistics:

  • 7,973 suspected Lassa fever cases have been reported in the country.
  • 982 confirmed Lassa fever cases have been reported.
  • 168 deaths have been attributed to Lassa fever.
  • A 17.1 per cent case fatality rate has been recorded for Lassa fever cases.
  • 21 states and 170 local government areas have reported diphtheria cases.
  • 7,784 confirmed diphtheria cases have been reported.
  • 1,728 suspected yellow fever cases have been reported.
  • 43 confirmed yellow fever cases have been reported.
  • 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, have reported yellow fever cases.

Sources:

  • NAN (2024) - Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issues warning on Lassa fever.
  • [Note: The original text does not mention specific dates for the report, and as such, no date is added.]

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