Lassa fever spreads across 119 LGAs as death toll hit 268
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 1,138 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 268 deaths across 24 states, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent. The figures were contained in the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological weeks 39 and 40, covering September 21 to October […]
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,138 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 268 deaths across 24 states, with the case fatality rate climbing to 23.6%. This marks an increase from the 18.6% recorded in the same period last year. The disease has spread to 119 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 24 states.
Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states account for 88% of all confirmed cases. People aged between 21 and 30 are the most affected. There were no new infections among healthcare workers during the reviewed weeks. The agency noted three new confirmed cases in week 40, in Bauchi and Benue states, bringing the total to 1,138 cases and 268 deaths.
In week 39, there were 13 new cases, primarily in Ondo State, raising the cumulative total to 1,134 cases and 267 deaths. The case fatality rate for week 39 was 23.6%, compared to 18.5% in the same period last year. Lassa fever is transmitted through contact with contaminated rodent urine or feces, and person-to-person contact in healthcare settings.
The NCDC advises the public to maintain sanitation, store food securely, and avoid contact with rats to prevent infection.
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