Latest epidemiological report by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) showed that 20 persons were infected with Lassa fever in seven days, between April 17 and 23, 2023 (week 16).
The cases were reported in Ondo (six cases), Edo (seven cases), Bauchi (four cases), Taraba (two cases), and Gombe (one case). However, two deaths were reported in Taraba and Gombe in one week.
Since the beginning of the year, 897 confirmed cases, with 154 deaths, have been recorded in 26 states and 103 Local Government Areas.
The NCDC said 72 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from three states – Ondo (32 per cent), Edo (29 per cent) and Bauchi (11 per cent).
“Cumulatively, 154 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.2 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (18.6 per cent), from week 1 to week 16, 2023.
“The predominant age group affected is 21 to 30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022. No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 16,” the report said.
