By Asmau Ahmad
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said the number of Lassa fever infections since the beginning of the year is 909, with 170 deaths.
The latest situation report released for week 35 by the NCDC also showed that there are 6,547 suspected cases of the infection across 101 Local Government Areas in 25 states.
The report showed that of all confirmed cases, 70 per cent are from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.
The report which covers August 29, to September 4 2022 reads, “In week 35, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 5 in week 34, 2022 to 10 cases. These were reported from Ondo, Edo and Nasarawa States.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 35, 2022, 170 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021.
“In total for 2022, 25 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 Local Government Areas. Of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo (31%), Edo (26%), and Bauchi (13%) States.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, MedianAge:30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021.
“No new Healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 35.
“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG)continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” NCDC noted saying.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness spread by the common African rat. The zoonotic disease has a high morbidity and mortality rate and economic and health security implications.
