The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 40 Lassa fever-related deaths in January, adding that four health workers were also infected.
According to NCDC latest update on its verified website on Sunday, the public agency is currently distributing medical response commodities to states and treatment centres.
In January 2022, the 40 deaths and 981 cases reported were across 43 local government areas in 14 states.
“Cumulatively from Week 1 to Week 4, 2022, 49 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 19.0 per cent.
“For 2022, 14 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 43 local government areas. Of all confirmed cases, 82% are from the following states as follows – Ondo (30%), Edo (27%) and Bauchi (25%).
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years. The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021”
Nigeria records 87 new COVID-19 infections
“Four health workers have been infected so far, 233 cases undergoing treatment, 617 cases undergoing contact tracing while 968 have been listed for follow up.”
Almost all Nigerian states have recorded a suspected number of infections.
“The main feature of the fatal illness is impaired or delayed cellular immunity leading to fulminant viraemia.
“This is why health workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, be vigilant and look out for symptoms of Lassa fever. Not all fevers are malaria,” it added.
Since, the last outbreak of the virus in 2016, the health agency noted that there had been an increase in the number of cases in the country.
Attempts are being made to produce a vaccine using the yellow fever virus as a vehicle.
