The fatality rate for Lassa fever in the first two weeks of 2023 was 7.8%, according to information released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), confirming a total of 7 death hitherto.
The agency reported that 30 local government areas in 10 states had at least one confirmed case and that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states had reported 84 per cent of all confirmed cases.
The agency’s statement reads: “In week 2, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 30 in week 1,2023 to 77 cases. These were reported from Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Bauch, Benue, Kogi, Imo, Oyo and Nasarawa states. Cumulatively from week 1 to week 2, 2023, 7 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 7.8 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022.
“In total for 2023, 10 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 30 Local Government Areas. 84 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo and Bauchi) while 16 per cent were reported from seven states with confirmed Lassa fever cases
“Of the 84 per cent of confirmed cases, Edo state reported 39 per cent, Ondo 37 per cent and Bauchi 8 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.7. The number of suspected cases decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022.”
The National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group is still in charge of coordinating the response efforts at all levels, according to the agency, therefore no new healthcare personnel were affected in the reporting week.
