Lassa Fever Outbreak: 12 Nigerian States Report 505 Cases and 95 Fatalities, Says NCDC

 The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a concerning outbreak of Lassa fever across 12 states, with a total of 505 confirmed cases and 95 associated deaths. This data reflects a case fatality rate of approximately 18.8%, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The affected states include Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Taraba, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna. Edo and Ondo states have reported the highest number of cases, accounting for over 60% of the total infections. The NCDC has activated a national emergency operations center to coordinate response activities, including surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, and risk communication.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection control measures. The NCDC has urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and adhere strictly to standard precautions when managing patients.

In response to the outbreak, the NCDC is collaborating with state health authorities and international partners to enhance diagnostic capacity, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and implement vector control measures. The public is advised to practice good hygiene, store food properly, and avoid contact with rodents to reduce the risk of infection.