Ondo, Edo record highest cases as Lassa fever deaths hit 172

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 172 deaths from Lassa fever in 2024.

In a situation report released on Saturday, the NCDC said the number of new confirmed cases rose from four in week 38 to nine in week 39.

According to the NCDC, the new cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states from September 23 to 29.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to 39, 2024, 172 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16.9% which is marginally higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (16.8%),” the report reads.

The NCDC added that 28 states have so far recorded at least one confirmed case across 128 LGAs. 

“Sixty-eight (68%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 32% were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases,” the NCDC said.

“Of the 68% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 28%, Edo 23%, and Bauchi 17%.”

The report also noted that the most affected age group is between 31 and 40 years old, with the median age being 32. The male-to-female ratio of confirmed cases is 1:1.

The NCDC said the number of suspected cases in 2024 has increased compared to the same period last year.

The agency noted that no healthcare worker was affected in week 39.

“The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response efforts at all levels,” the agency added.