Lassa fever has taken a toll on numerous Nigerians, with over a hundred cases reported across 16 states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 20 deaths and 109 cases within one week. Lassa fever is an acute viral illness transmitted through contact with contaminated food or items by infected rodents or persons. Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
Despite efforts, new cases and fatalities persist. The most affected age group is 31 to 40, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9 for confirmed cases. The NCDC activated a multi-partner incident management system to coordinate response. Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states reported 62% of confirmed cases. The cumulative report for weeks one to nine of 2024 showed 682 confirmed cases and 128 deaths, with a case fatality rate higher than the previous year.
In Taraba State, the Federal Medical Centre confirmed 19 deaths between January and February. Benue State recorded 46 cases and nine deaths, with cases from Internally Displaced Persons’ camps. Ebonyi State reported 14 deaths out of 110 suspected cases, with a case fatality rate of 51.1%. Kaduna State confirmed five deaths.
Lassa fever, originating from Lassa village in Plateau State, is a viral hemorrhagic illness, closely linked to rats. Prevention measures include public education on rat control and food protection, emphasizing reducing rat populations and proper waste management.