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Epidemiology

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: 766 Confirmed Cases and 145 Deaths

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nigeria continues to struggle with the Lassa fever outbreak, with 766 confirmed cases and 145 deaths reported in 2023 across 18 states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a latest situation report, highlighting the alarming fatality rate of 18.9 per cent, a significant increase from 17.6 per cent during the same period in 2022. The states most affected are Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, accounting for 91 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Ondo being the epicentre of the outbreak.

Key Takeaways:

  • 766 confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported in 2023, with a fatality rate of 18.9 per cent.
  • The outbreak has affected 18 states, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi being the most affected, accounting for 91 per cent of the confirmed cases.
  • Ondo is the epicentre of the outbreak, contributing 31 per cent of the confirmed cases.
  • Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and unsanitary living conditions are the primary drivers of the high fatality rate.
  • Efforts to contain the outbreak include deploying rapid response teams, risk communication, environmental sanitation campaigns, and training of health workers in high-risk areas.
  • The NCDC has appealed to the public to avoid contact with rodents, seek prompt medical care at designated treatment centres, and maintain hygiene.
  • Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rats, and can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment.

Statistics:

  • 766 confirmed cases of Lassa fever reported in 2023
  • 145 deaths reported related to Lassa fever
  • Fatality rate stands at 18.9 per cent
  • 18 states affected by the outbreak
  • 91 per cent of confirmed cases in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi
  • 31 per cent of confirmed cases in Ondo state
  • 8 new confirmed cases reported in the previous week, down from 11 in the previous week

Sources:

  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's latest situation report

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