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Lassa fever

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Fatality Rate and Spread of Disease

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths, with the fatality rate rising to 18.9% from 17.8% in 2024. The agency has confirmed 758 cases and 143 deaths so far this year, with 11 new cases reported in the week under review. The spread of the disease is concentrated in five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (15%), and Ebonyi (3%), which account for 90% of all confirmed cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCDC has confirmed 758 Lassa fever cases and 143 deaths so far this year, with a fatality rate of 18.9%.
  • The five states with the highest burden of cases are Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (15%), and Ebonyi (3%), accounting for 90% of all confirmed cases.
  • 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever, with the disease spread across 96 Local Government Areas.
  • The agency has highlighted challenges such as late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, high cost of treatment, inadequate sanitation, and low awareness in affected communities as fueling the outbreak.
  • The NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System and deployed 10 Rapid Response Teams to states with the highest burden.
  • The agency has launched various response measures, including training of health workers on case management, community sensitization campaigns, environmental response interventions, and media outreach in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • The NCDC has urged Nigerians to maintain high hygiene standards, seek medical attention early when symptomatic, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, known vectors of the disease.

Statistics:

  • 758 confirmed Lassa fever cases have been reported so far this year.
  • 143 deaths have been recorded due to Lassa fever in 2024.
  • The fatality rate has risen to 18.9% from 17.8% in 2024.
  • 90% of all confirmed cases are concentrated in five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (15%), and Ebonyi (3%).
  • 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever, spread across 96 Local Government Areas.

Sources:

  • NCDC (2024) - Situation Report on Lassa Fever
  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) - Press Statement on Lassa Fever Outbreak

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