Lassa fever: 54 healthcare workers infected as death toll hits 164

A total of 164 people have died from the Lassa fever disease since January.

In its latest situation report, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said 857 cases have been confirmed so far in the country.

The NCDC said the cases are distributed across 24 states and 99 LGAs.

The agency noted that 54 healthcare workers have also been infected with the disease.

“A breakdown indicated that of all confirmed cases, Ondo has 30 percent; Edo, 26 percent and Bauchi, 14 percent,” the report reads.

“In week 29, the number of new confirmed cases increased from five in week 28, 2022 to 10 cases. These were reported from Edo and Ondo states.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 29, 2022, 164 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.1 percent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021, 23.7 percent.

“In total for 2022, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 99 local government aeeas.

“Of all confirmed cases, 70 percent are from Ondo, 30 percent Edo, 26 percent and Bauchi 14 percent cases.

“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 number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021.

“One new healthcare worker was affected in Ondo state.”