Lassa fever: 168 died and 889 new cases confirmed

Image: Vanguard

Lassa fever is currently ravaging Nigerians as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said the confirmed cases rose to 889, and 168 people have died from the devastating disease. 

The information was revealed by the disease control body in its latest Lassa fever situation report for week 32, spanning from August 8-14, 2022.

According to NCDC in 2022, 25 states recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 local government areas.

The report read in part, “In week 32, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 13 in week 31, 2022 to nine cases. These were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Enugu states.

“Cumulatively, from week 1 to week 32, 2022, 168 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.9%, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.4%).

“In total, for 2022, 25 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 Local Government Areas.

“Of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo State (31%), Edo State (26%), and Bauchi State (13%).

“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. No new healthcare worker affected in the report of week 32.

“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels.”

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness and a viral haemorrhagic fever. This zoonotic disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and it has both economic and health security consequences.

Source: punchng.com

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