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Lassa fever

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Key Findings and Statistics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant increase in Lassa fever cases between January and September 2024. The latest situation report shows that a total of 8,411 suspected cases, 1,018 confirmed cases, and 172 deaths have been reported across 28 states. The report highlights the challenges associated with the outbreak, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and poor environmental sanitation conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of suspected Lassa fever cases increased by comparison to the same period in 2023.
  • Ondo State tops the chart with 280 confirmed cases, followed by Edo and Bauchi with 236 and 171 cases respectively.
  • The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever is 31-40 years.
  • 68% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases in 2024 were reported from three states: Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi.
  • 32% of confirmed cases were reported from 25 states.
  • 35 cases of Lassa fever have been reported among health workers in 2024.
  • The number of suspected cases increased compared to the same period in 2023, leading to a higher case fatality ratio (CFR).
  • Poor health-seeking behavior, high cost of treatment, and poor environmental sanitation conditions are major challenges associated with the outbreak.

Statistics:

  • 8,411 suspected cases of Lassa fever reported between January and September 2024.
  • 1,018 confirmed cases of Lassa fever reported between January and September 2024.
  • 172 deaths reported due to Lassa fever between January and September 2024.
  • 68% of confirmed cases reported from three states: Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi.
  • 32% of confirmed cases reported from 25 states.
  • 280 confirmed cases reported in Ondo State alone.
  • 35 cases of Lassa fever reported among health workers in 2024.

Sources:

  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
  • "Lassa fever, a disease otherwise referred to as Lassa hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces."
  • The Mastomys rat is a natural carrier of the virus and is commonly found in Nigeria.

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