Confirmed cases of Lassa fever have hit 1,154 out of the 9,492 suspected cases, and 190 deaths so far in 2024.
The Director General of the The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 1,154, Jide Idris, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, saying this has prompted the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre and the risk assessment categorised it as high.
“Cumulatively this year, we have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed with 190 deaths. Six states make up 89 per cent of the confirmed cases, namely: Ondo (29.7 per cent), Edo (22.7 per cent), Bauchi (17.9 per cent), Taraba (8.8 per cent), Benue (5.6 per cent), and Ebonyi (four per cent). 10 LGAs (Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo and Idah) accounted for almost 59 per cent of the confirmed cases.
“There has been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last four weeks, signalling the outbreak’s severity,” he noted.
According to Idris, the case fatality rate has consistently remained high at over 13 per cent, and there is a rise in the number of suspected cases compared to a similar timeline in 2023, adding , however, that it could be attributed to increased and enhanced surveillance.
He said Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba Ebonyi and Enugu States are where endemic cases keeping rising, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these states.
“These trends therefore demand a coordinated effort to strengthen our response and protect our vulnerable populations. Our goal is to reduce the number of cases and importantly, deaths
In addressing this situation, it is important to highlight the proactive measures taken by the NCDC so far.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to preparedness, coordination, and response at all levels. We conducted a dynamic risk assessment to determine the appropriate emergency activation level. The risk has been categorized as High and Response Level Two advised and efforts to be tailored specifically to the states currently experiencing increased case burden.
“The EOC was activated to ensure seamless coordination of Lassa fever control and management activities using a One Health approach,” he said.
He said critical medical supplies, infection prevention and control materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools and materials have been distributed to various states, nationwide, adding that Lassa Fever testing laboratories have also been expanded from about nine to 13, and more will still be upgraded.
He said the NCDC has conducted rodent control in Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, and Benue considered high burden areas, targeting communities with high case counts by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Idris said the agency continues to address the current Lassa Fever outbreak during this peak season and advised the public to keep their environment clean, store foods safely, avoid drying food stuff outside on the ground or roadside, discourage bush burning and deforestation, and practice good and personal hygiene.
He also advised healthcare workers to always practice standard infection prevention and control practices.
“Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, i.e., be vigilant and consider a diagnosis of Lassa fever when seeing patients presenting with febrile illness.
“Healthcare providers should report all suspected cases of Lassa fever to their local government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers to ensure prompt diagnosis, referral, and early commencement of public health actions.”
