NCDC reports 80 deaths as lassa fever cases surge across 11 states

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 80 deaths from 413 Lassa fever cases recorded across 11 states between February 3 and 9.

According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the case fatality rate (CFR) has climbed to 19.4 percent, up from 17.5 percent during the same period last year.

The NCDC highlighted that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 73 percent of the confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at 34 percent, followed by Edo at 21 percent and Bauchi at 18 percent.

A total of 63 local government areas in the affected states have reported confirmed cases, raising concerns over the outbreak’s spread.

READ ALSO: E-paper: 10 things you need to know on The DailytimesNGR

“In spite of a drop in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.

“The affected age group is primarily 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio 1:0.8.

The NCDC said while no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, delayed case presentations had contributed to the rising fatality rate.

The NCDC pointed to poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges.

The NCDC activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to address the outbreak and coordinate efforts.

“The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.

“The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.

“Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitisation and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”

The NCDC stated that it was also collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response.

The agency urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if symptoms like fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding occur.

“As the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is intensifying case management training, rapid response coordination, and infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread.

“A nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign is being planned in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.

“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232.”

The NCDC further urged Nigerians to reduce their risk of infection by following these measures: store food properly in sealed containers to prevent rat contamination.

“Keep homes clean and eliminate rodent hiding places.

“Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water.

“Avoid bush burning, which drives rats into homes, increasing the risk of infection.

“Seek medical help early if experiencing fever, weakness, or bleeding, and visit a health facility immediately.”