Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Outbreak Reaches Alarming Levels
The death toll of Lassa fever has risen to 128 in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 682 confirmed cases of the viral hemorrhagic fever since the beginning of the year. The severity of the outbreak is evident from the 18.8 percent case fatality rate. Out of the 128 fatal cases, 20 were recorded within a single week across 16 states, from February 26 to March 3. The most affected age group is 31 to 40 years, with a close male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases. The outbreak has also seen an increase in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023, with eight new healthcare workers affected in the reporting week 9.
The NCDC indicated a worrying trend in the increase of confirmed cases, from 96 in week eight to 109 new infections in week nine of 2024. The cumulative 682 confirmed cases and 128 deaths suggest a higher case fatality rate than the same period in 2023, which was at 16.1 percent. Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or contaminated persons and household items. Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from various body openings.
The situation report published by the NCDC highlights concerns over the severity and spread of the outbreak, particularly noting the additional strain placed on healthcare workers, with eight new cases reported in week 9. The public health agency’s proactive efforts will be crucial in containing and managing the Lassa fever outbreak, ensuring that the necessary resources and support are provided to the affected communities and healthcare facilities.
The rising death toll and increasing number of confirmed cases indicate the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria. Public health authorities and the government must work collaboratively to ramp up awareness and preventive measures to curtail the spread of the disease, protect healthcare workers, and provide timely and effective care to those affected.
