The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 75 Lassa fever deaths across Nigeria in seven weeks. In its latest situation report the agency confirmed 326 cases as of epidemiological week seven from February 9 to 15. These cases spread across 16 states and 58 local government areas. The report showed a case fatality rate of 23 percent.
Taraba Leads In Fatalities
Taraba State recorded the highest number of deaths with 24 fatalities. Bauchi State followed with 19 deaths. Additionally, Plateau State reported eight fatalities.
Ondo State, Edo State and Benue State each recorded five deaths. Ebonyi State reported three deaths. Nasarawa State and Kogi State each saw two deaths while Kano State and Kebbi State each recorded one.
New Cases Emerge In Week Seven
Health officials confirmed 82 new cases and 20 deaths during week seven alone. This figure rose from 74 cases in the previous week. Meanwhile, the main age group affected ranged from 21 to 30 years with a median age of 30 years. Five healthcare workers contracted the disease in that period.
NCDC Activates Response System
The agency activated the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System. This system supported coordination of response activities at all levels.
“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) activated to support the coordination of response activities at all levels,” the report stated.
Cases Concentrated In Few States
Eighty-four percent of confirmed cases came from Bauchi State, Ondo State, Taraba State and Edo State. Bauchi State accounted for 33 percent while Ondo State had 22 percent. Taraba State contributed 19 percent and Edo State 10 percent.
