Lassa fever cases in Nigeria rise to 1,018, with 172 deaths in 2024. Ondo and Edo states report nine new cases amid ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak.

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]assa fever cases rise in Nigeria, with nine new infections in Ondo and Edo states, bringing the 2024 total to 1,018 confirmed cases.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases during week 39 of 2024, with nine new confirmed cases recorded in Ondo and Edo states.

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This brings the total number of infections in Nigeria to 1,018 across 28 states, with 172 deaths so far in the year. The rise from four cases in the previous week highlights the persistent threat of the disease.

According to the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report, Ondo and Edo are among the three states accounting for 68% of all confirmed cases in 2024, with Ondo reporting 28% of cases, followed by Edo at 23%, and Bauchi with 17%.

The predominant age group affected is 31 to 40 years, with an equal gender distribution. Notably, no healthcare workers were affected during the recent reporting week, despite the rising number of cases.

The NCDC expressed concern over the increased Case Fatality Rate (CFR), now at 16.9%, up from 16.8% in the same period in 2023.

The agency attributed the high CFR to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate sanitation in high-burden areas.

In response, the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate efforts to manage the outbreak, while partners have implemented various interventions to support nationwide efforts.

Lassa fever, recognised by the World Health Organisation as a pathogen with a high potential for severe outbreaks, poses a growing threat, with climate change placing millions at risk.

Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, muscle pain, and in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding, with long-term complications like deafness affecting many survivors.

Public health experts are calling for stronger government and public collaboration to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.