Death toll from Lassa fever in Nigeria has risen to 152, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The NCDC disclosed this in its latest Lassa fever situation report Tuesday
The centre also confirmed a total of 4,632 suspected cases in 2021.
“So far in 2022, 152 people have lost their lives; the highest deaths reported in four years, ” the report said.
“Cumulatively, from week 1 to week 18 in 2022, 152 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 19.6%.
“In total, for 2022, 23 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 95 local government areas. Of all confirmed cases, 68% are from states namely, Ondo (28%), Edo (25%) and Bauchi (15%).
“The predominant age-group affected is 21-30 years (range:1 to 80 years, median age: 30 years). The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021.”
The NCDC noted that while 51 health workers have been affected, 723 persons have been hospitalized.
It added, “The Federal Ministry of Environment is also implementing a Lassa fever environmental response campaign in high burden states.
“Lassa fever presents initially like any other febrile illness such as malaria. Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body areas.
“The time between infection and appearance of symptoms of the disease ranges from three to twenty-one days. Early treatment and diagnosis increase the chances of survival.”