Nigeria had recorded 12 new laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever in one week – between December 26, 2022, to January 1, 2023, from three states, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The states affected Edo (9), Ebonyi (2), and Benue (1), as of January 1, 2023, a total of 1,067 cases have been recorded in 27 states across 112 Local Government Areas, with 189 deaths reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.7 per cent.
The NCDC’s report showed the percentage of the confirmed Lassa fever cases. In the report, 72% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from three states (Ondo, Edo and Bauchi), while 23% were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 72% of confirmed cases, Ondo State reported 33%, Edo 25% and Bauchi 14%.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week.
“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” the report added.
Individuals and communities must promote good hygiene in order to reduce the appearance of rodents in homes which will in turn lead to the prevention of Lassa fever. Grains and food items should be properly stored away from rodents. Garbage bins and bags should be disposed frequently.
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