The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has stated that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, respectively, have the highest cases of Lassa Fever recorded in Nigeria, News About Nigeria reports.
The agency disclosed this in its Lassa fever situation report on its website on Friday.
It noted that in 2024, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 local government areas, adding that the three states recorded 65 percent of all confirmed cases.
According to the report, out of the 65 percent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25 percent, Edo 22 percent, and Bauchi 18 percent, while 35 percent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
The agency also disclosed that it has recorded 6,704 suspected Lassa fever cases and 162 deaths across 125 local government areas in 28 states, stating that 911 of the suspected cases are from January to June 9, 2024.
“In total for 2024, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 local government areas.
“Sixty-five percent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while 35 percent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 65 percent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25 percent, Edo 22 percent, and Bauchi 18 percent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years (range: 1–98 years, median age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1,” it stated.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), however, noted that person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings, in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures, adding that diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential.
“The overall case-fatality rate is one percent. Among patients who are hospitalised with a severe clinical presentation of Lassa fever, case fatality is estimated at around 15 percent. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival,” the organisation stated.
