Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mary-Sylvia Anoliefoh
Published on 2024-03-20 18:43:41
Nigeria has reported 109 new cases of Lassa fever infections and 20 deaths in a span of one week, from February 26 to March 3, across 16 states. This concerning update was released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in their latest situation report for week nine of 2024. The number of confirmed cases increased from 96 in the previous week, bringing the total confirmed cases for the year up to 682 with 128 deaths and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.8%. This CFR is higher than the rate recorded in the same period in 2023, which was 16.1%.
The NCDC highlighted that the affected states included Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Ebonyi, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Adamawa, Anambra, Rivers, Ogun, and Oyo. The report specified that 62% of the confirmed cases came from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while the remaining 38% were spread across 24 states. The age group most impacted by Lassa fever was the 31-40 range, and the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases was almost equal at 1:0.9.
Furthermore, the NCDC activated the National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to oversee the response at all levels through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The report also addressed the challenges faced in combating Lassa fever, such as late presentation of cases leading to a higher CFR, poor health-seeking behavior due to the expensive treatment costs, and inadequate clinical management. Additionally, issues with poor environmental sanitation in high-risk communities and lack of awareness were mentioned as ongoing obstacles.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, contaminated food, or items used by infected persons. The symptoms range from fever, headache, and sore throat to more severe symptoms like unexplained bleeding from various body openings. The disease poses a significant risk to public health, and efforts are being made to contain its spread and minimize fatalities.
In conclusion, the recent surge in Lassa fever cases across Nigeria is a cause for concern and calls for increased vigilance in disease control and prevention efforts. The NCDC and other relevant authorities are working to address the challenges faced in combating the disease and providing the necessary support to affected communities. Public awareness and adherence to preventive measures are crucial in containing the spread of Lassa fever and protecting the population from this potentially fatal disease.
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