The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 411 confirmed cases and 72 deaths from Lassa fever across 21 states of Nigeria from week one to week six of 2024.
The number of new confirmed cases increased from 70 in week five to 83 in week six, with nine deaths recorded during the same period.
Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 65% of confirmed cases, while 35% were reported from 17 other states. Although the number of suspected cases decreased compared to the same period in 2023, challenges persist, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior due to high treatment costs, and inadequate awareness in high-burden communities.
NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts. Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes and preventing further spread of the virus.
