The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) recorded 894 cases and 168 deaths from Lassa fever since the beginning of 2022, as Ondo state has about 31% per cent of Lassa fever cases
A regular report in week 33 by the body showed that there are 6392 suspected cases of the infection across 101 Local Government Areas in 25 states.
The report added that of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo (31%), Edo (26%), and Bauchi (13%) states.
“Of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo (31%), Edo (26%), and Bauchi (13%) States.
The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.”
The report read in part “In week 33, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 9 in week 32, 2022 to 5 cases. These were reported from Ondo and Edo States.
The report noted, “Cumulatively from week 1 to week 33, 2022, 168 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 18.8% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.3%).
“In total for 2022, 25 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 Local Government Areas.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever and an acute viral illness the zoonotic disease has a high morbidity and mortality rate and economic and health security implications.