Lassa Fever: Death toll rises to 127 – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 674 confirmed instances of Lassa fever and 127 deaths in 14 weeks.

This was disclosed within the centre’s newest scenario report, which was revealed on Tuesday.

The report famous that the deaths resulted in a case fatality charge of 18.8 per cent —a slight enhance from the 18.5 per cent recorded throughout the identical interval in 2024.

Breakdown of instances

In line with the report, NCDC recorded 4,025 suspected instances from January to six April.

The centre acknowledged that the instances have been throughout 18 states and 93 native authorities areas (LGAs), out of which 674 have been confirmed.

Within the reporting week, NCDC acknowledged that six states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe—accounted for 15 new instances and 5 deaths.

Of the 15 new instances, Ondo recorded (5), Bauchi (5), Edo (Two), Taraba (One), Ebonyi (One) and Gombe (One).

It added that Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo States stay essentially the most affected, contributing 71 per cent of all confirmed instances.

Of the 71 per cent, Ondo accounted for 30 per cent, whereas Bauchi and Edo contributed 25 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively.

The NCDC report famous that younger adults aged 21 to 30 years are essentially the most affected demographic, a scenario attributed to poor consciousness, unsanitary circumstances, and the excessive price of therapy.

Ongoing response

To fight the outbreak, the NCDC mentioned it has deployed its speedy response groups to high-burden states and has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Administration System (IMS).

Medical provides, together with private protecting tools and antiviral medicine, have been distributed to therapy centres.

The centre reported that no new infections amongst well being employees have been recorded up to now week, a optimistic improvement given the dangers confronted by frontline responders.

Whereas calling for vigilance, the NCDC urged Nigerians to stay acutely aware and cling to preventive measures.

The centre additionally suggested residents to keep away from contact with rodents, preserve clear environments, and promptly search medical consideration if signs similar to fever, headache, or unexplained bleeding happen.

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It famous that the battle in opposition to Lassa fever requires collective duty, calling on everybody to take preventive measures.

Because the outbreak persists, the NCDC reiterated its dedication to mitigating its affect whereas calling for improved public well being consciousness and sanitation practices nationwide.

About Lassa fever

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic sickness transmitted to people by contact with meals or home items contaminated by contaminated rodents or individuals.

Signs of Lassa fever embrace fever, headache, sore throat, common physique weak spot, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, and chest ache. In extreme instances, it might probably trigger unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nostril, mouth, and different physique openings.