- The NCDC’s Week 40 report showed a slight decline in confirmed cases from nine in week 39 to seven in week 40, with infections concentrated in Ondo and Edo States
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,025 confirmed cases of Lassa fever from 8,484 suspected cases between January 1 and October 6, 2024, across 28 states and 128 local government areas.
During this period, 174 deaths were recorded, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.0%.
The NCDC’s Week 40 report showed a slight decline in confirmed cases from nine in week 39 to seven in week 40, with infections concentrated in Ondo and Edo States. Overall, 68% of confirmed cases came from Ondo (28%), Edo (23%), and Bauchi (17%).
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, is typically transmitted through contact with items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Person-to-person transmission, particularly in healthcare settings, can also occur.
The NCDC continues to lead response efforts alongside a multi-sectoral Technical Working Group, while stressing the need for infection control in healthcare settings to prevent further transmission.