Lassa Fever: All you need to know about rampaging disease

As of 2 April, Nigeria has recorded a significant increase in Lassa fever infections and fatalities.

The virus, which has affected about 20 health workers, has killed 148 people between January and April, raising concerns about the current situation of the disease in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), from week 1 to week 13, 846 confirmed infections and 148 deaths were reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.5 per cent.

However, the CFR is said to be lower than what was recorded for the same period in 2022 which was 19.1 per cent.

NCDC said in total for 2023, 25 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 99 Local Government Areas, of which 72 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states.

Of the 72 per cent recorded, NCDC noted that Ondo State accounted for 32 per cent, while Edo and Bauchi states reported 29 and 11 per cent, respectively.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the annual peak of Lassa fever cases is typically observed during the dry season (DecemberApril), adding that the number of infections is expected to rise further until the end of the dry season.

Unlike COVID19, the Lassa fever awareness rate has been low, as it silently claims lives and affects health workers.

PREMIUM TIMES in this report, therefore, seeks to sensitise the public to what the symptoms are, how it is transmitted, and how Nigerians can stay safe.

Keypoints

About Lassa fever
Symptoms
People most at risk
Prevention
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