The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in Lassa fever cases, with 10 new infections recorded in epidemiological week 41 of 2024, up from seven cases the previous week.
This was outlined in the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, published on the agency’s website.
The new cases span four states – Ondo, Edo, Benue and Taraba – demonstrating the virus’s persistent reach across the country. So far this year, Nigeria has reported 174 deaths from Lassa fever, translating to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16.8 per cent, slightly lower than the 17.2 per cent reported during the same period in 2023. The total number of confirmed cases has now reached 8,569, affecting 28 states and 129 local government areas.
According to the report, Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states account for 68 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2024, with Ondo alone responsible for 28 per cent. The majority of those affected are within the 31-40 age group and there is an equal gender distribution among cases.
A positive note in the report indicated that no new healthcare workers contracted the virus during week 41, underscoring NCDC’s ongoing efforts to protect frontline medical staff. The National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group continues to lead the response, prioritising contact tracing and community engagement.
However, challenges remain. The NCDC cited inadequate funding for preparedness activities and the high cost of treatment as barriers to effective healthcare access. Poor environmental sanitation in high-risk areas also contributes to the virus’s spread.
To address these challenges, the NCDC is implementing risk communication strategies, training sessions for healthcare providers and community engagement campaigns to raise awareness and encourage early health-seeking behaviour. Lassa fever, which causes symptoms like fever, headache and muscle pain, has been designated by the World Health Organisation as a significant outbreak risk, particularly as climate change exacerbates its spread. Experts emphasise that coordinated efforts from both the government and the public are crucial to curbing the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak and minimising its impact across Nigeria.
