The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has recorded 1,068 Lassa fever illnesses in 112 local government areas spread over 28 states.
The NCDC announced this on Tuesday via its official website in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (September 11-17, 2023).
According to the center, 75% of the cases were discovered in the states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi.
According to the NCDC, there are currently 7,352 people with suspected cases, and the sickness has claimed at least 181 lives in the country.
According to the center, the infection’s case-fatality ratio was 16.9 percent.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 37, 2023, 181 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 16.9 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (19.1 per cent).
“In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 112 local government areas.
“Seventy-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
“Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years).
“The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022,” it said.
It is regretted that in 2023 Lassa fever infected 49 healthcare workers across the country.
It added that prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, practising good personal hygiene and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.