The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a Lassa fever outbreak across seven states in Nigeria, with 38 confirmed cases and nine deaths.
The affected states include Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Cross River and Kogi.
.According to the NCDC’s latest surveillance report, the number of confirmed cases decreased from 54 to 38.
However, the case fatality rate remains high at 19.7%, exceeding the rate for the same period in 2024 ¹.Notably, 73% of the confirmed cases were reported from *Ondo*, *Edo*, and *Bauchi*, with Ondo accounting for 34% of the total cases.
The NCDC has activated its Incident Management System to coordinate response activities and deployed National Rapid Response Teams to support control and management efforts.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has been working closely with state health authorities, providing technical assistance, and supporting the deployment of rapid response teams. The organization has also emphasized the importance of public awareness and education in preventing the spread of Lassa fever ¹.
It’s worth noting that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that’s common in West Africa, particularly during the dry season. The disease is usually spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rodents.
To stay safe, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, and avoid contact with rodents.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine, or feces. Here are the common symptoms and potential fatalities associated with Lassa fever:
Other symptoms of Lassa Fever are :- High temperature, usually above 38.6°C (101.5°F)
Headache. Severe headache, often described as debilitating.
Muscle pain. Pain in the muscles, particularly in the back and chest.
Sore throat. Painful swallowing and sore throa.
Vomiting Nausea which can lead to dehydration. Diarrhea. Frequent, watery stools
Abdominal pain which can be accompanied by bleed
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal tract fatalities and complications
Severe bleeding can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
Respiratory distress: Severe respiratory symptoms, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Cardiovascular collapse: Sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to cardiac arrest.
Kidney failure, kidney injury or failure, requiring dialysis.
The case fatality rate for Lassa fever can range from 1% to 50%, depending on the severity of the disease and the quality of medical care received. Early detection and treatment are crucial to reducing the risk of complications and fatalities.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to Lassa fever or are showing symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.