The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified seven new Lassa fever cases in Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi states. The cases, which occurred between July 22 and July 28, illustrate the persistent problem of managing viral hemorrhagic disease in Nigeria.
According to a statement posted on Friday, August 9, on the NCDC’s official website, Edo State reported four new cases, Bauchi State registered two, and Kogi State confirmed one. Fortunately, no deaths were reported during this time.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic infection, is spread to humans through contact with food or household objects contaminated by infected rats, or through contact with infected people. Symptoms of the sickness include fever, headache, sore throat, weakness throughout the body, and, in extreme cases, unexplained bleeding from numerous bodily holes.
The NCDC also published an update on the Lassa fever situation in 2024, stating that 163 deaths had been documented this year, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0%. This percentage is slightly lower than the 17.3 percent observed in the same time of 2023.
According to the public health office, 66 percent of confirmed cases in 2024 were from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with the remaining 34 percent divided across 25 other states. across total, 28 states have reported at least one confirmed incidence of Lassa fever across 125 local government units.
The NCDC found various problems in the fight against Lassa fever, including late case presentation, which correlates to a higher CFR, poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment, and ineffective disease management. In addition, poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities and a lack of public awareness were noted as ongoing issues.
The agency restated its commitment to closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with state health officials to ensure a coordinated response. The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will continue to coordinate disease control efforts at all levels.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
