The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 190 associated deaths this year.
Dr. Jide Idris, the agency’s Director General, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while providing an update on the outbreak.
“Cumulatively this year, we have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed cases, and 190 deaths,” Dr. Idris said.
He revealed that six states accounted for 89% of confirmed cases: Ondo (29.7%), Edo (22.7%), Bauchi (17.9%), Taraba (8.8%), Benue (5.6%), and Ebonyi (4%). Additionally, 10 local government areas contributed nearly 59% of the confirmed cases, including Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo, and Idah.
Dr. Idris expressed concern over a sharp rise in cases and fatalities in the last four weeks, describing the situation as alarming. He noted that the case fatality rate remained high at over 13%, with an increase in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023. However, this surge could partly be attributed to improved surveillance efforts.
Most cases have been reported in endemic states, such as Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Enugu, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Risk Factors and Public Advisory
Dr. Idris warned that certain activities during the festive season might increase the risk of Lassa fever infections. He urged Nigerians to ensure shared food items are safe and uncontaminated.
“The trends demand a coordinated effort to strengthen response measures and protect vulnerable populations. Our goal is to reduce both the number of cases and fatalities,” he added.
Measures to Contain the Outbreak
To address the outbreak, the NCDC conducted a dynamic risk assessment and categorized the risk level as “High,” advising a Response Level 2 activation. An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been set up to coordinate control efforts using a One Health approach.
Preparatory measures include the distribution of critical medical supplies, infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools to affected states. The number of Lassa fever testing laboratories has also been increased from 9 to 13, with plans for further upgrades.
In collaboration with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the NCDC has shared mitigation strategies, particularly focusing on hotspot states like Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Ondo, and Benue.
About Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, feces, saliva, or blood of infected multimammate rats (African rats), which are the natural reservoirs of the virus.
Person-to-person transmission can also occur through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual. Contaminated food, water, and surfaces can serve as secondary sources of infection.
Dr. Idris reiterated the importance of preventive measures, including proper food storage, hygiene, and avoiding contact with rodents, to curb the spread of the disease.
