Nigeria has recorded seven new cases of Lassa fever in three states of the federation.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed in its latest situation report for week 30 of 2024, from July 22 to 28.
According to the report, the affected states are Edo, Bauchi and Kogi.
While no deaths from Lassa fever were recorded in the reporting week, NCDC noted that 163 deaths were reported in 2024 with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.0 per cent, lower than the 17.3 per cent recorded for the same period in 2023.
It was reported that 66 percent of all confirmed cases in 2024 were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi, while 34 percent were reported in 25 states.
“In total, during 2024, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever in 125 local government areas,” he said.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic (excessive bleeding) disease that is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or infected people.
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Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
Challenges
The NCDC, in the report, highlighted some of its challenges in combating Lassa fever.
Challenges include late presentation of cases, leading to an increased case fatality rate, and poor care-seeking behavior due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever.
Other problems include poor environmental sanitation conditions in communities with the highest burden and low awareness in communities with the highest burden.