Nigeria Reports Surge in Lassa Fever Cases and Deaths

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recently disclosed that there have been 6,704 suspected cases of Lassa fever and 162 fatalities across 125 local government areas in 28 states as of June 9, 2024.

From these suspected cases, 911 have been confirmed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, part of the arenavirus family. Humans generally contract the disease through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. 

The disease is endemic among rodent populations in parts of West Africa.

The NCDC reported that the case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 17.8%, which is an increase from the 17.1% CFR during the same period in 2023. 

"In total for 2024, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 Local Government Areas," the NCDC stated.

A significant portion of confirmed cases, 65%, has been reported from three states: Ondo (25%), Edo (22%), and Bauchi (18%). The remaining 35% of cases have been confirmed in 25 other states.

The report noted that the most affected age group is 21-30 years, with a range of 1 to 98 years and a median age of 32 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:1. Additionally, 33 healthcare workers have been infected.

Lassa fever is known to be endemic in several West African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, with potential presence in other nations in the region.

The WHO emphasized that person-to-person transmission and laboratory infections can occur, especially in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control measures. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with the overall case-fatality rate around 1%. Among hospitalized patients with severe Lassa fever, the fatality rate is estimated to be approximately 15%. Timely supportive care, rehydration, and symptomatic treatment significantly improve survival rates.

Approximately 80% of people infected with the Lassa virus show no symptoms. However, one in five infections can result in severe illness, affecting organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

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