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Nigeria sees surge in Lassa fever cases, prompts active emergency response
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a surge in Lassa fever cases across 21 states of the federation, recording 411 confirmed cases and 72 deaths from week one to week six of 2024.
The latest situation report covering the first six weeks of the year reveals an increase in new confirmed cases from 70 in week 5 to 83, with nine deaths reported in the same week.
The distribution of cases indicates that 65 percent of all confirmed instances were concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while the remaining 35 percent were reported from 17 states, Premium Times NG reports.
The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remains in the 21–30 age bracket, and the report highlights the concerning addition of two new health workers being affected during the reporting week.
The NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate responses at all levels through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Despite efforts, the agency faces challenges in its fight against Lassa fever, citing the late presentation of cases leading to an increased Case Fatality Rate (CFR). Additionally, poor health-seeking behaviour is attributed to the high cost of treatment and clinical management.
Environmental factors also contribute to the challenges, with poor sanitation conditions identified, along with a lack of awareness observed in high-burden communities.
Individuals infected with Lassa fever may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pains. In more severe cases, the illness can lead to chest pain and unexplained bleeding from various parts of the body, including the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The primary carrier of the Lassa virus is the common African rat. This infectious disease is endemic in various regions of West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria
Annually, Lassa fever results in a considerable number of infections, estimated to range from 100,000 to 300,000 cases. The disease is associated with a significant mortality rate, with approximately 5,000 deaths reported each year, the Centre for Disease Control Prevention has reported.
