The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned of an impending surge of Lassa Fever cases in Nigeria in the coming days. This warning was issued by Dr Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Idris said that given the seasonal nature of the disease, the country is approaching the season of Lassa fever spread while highlighting that the country is experiencing a decline in cases of various diseases. He said:
“Given the seasonal nature of Lassa fever, we anticipate a potential increase in cases over the next few months.
“As such, we are proactively intensifying our preparedness efforts to mitigate impact of the expected surge.”
He mentioned that the country had reported 7,973 suspected cases of Lassa fever with 982 confirmed cases and 168 deaths resulting in 17.1 % fatality rate.
“Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted through rodents, causing fever, bleeding and death.” He explained.
He also announced a decline in disease outbreaks in the country, with a massive reduction in reported yellow fever, diphtheria, and cholera cases.
He said that as at September, 1728 suspected cases of yellow fever were reported with 43 testing positive. The 36 states of Nigeria had been affected by the disease with 496 of the 774 local government areas having a reported case.
“Yellow fever is a viral disease causing fever, headache and nausea, potentially leading to hemorrhaging, organ failure, and death if untreated”
The NCDC reiterated that vaccines remain the best prevention.
Also, in 2024, 12,085 cases of diphtheria was reported across 21 states and 170 local government according to the technical working group.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which affects the nose and throat. It is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Out of the suspected cases, 7,784 cases were confirmed according to NCDC.
According to data, in Epidemic week 35, there had been 20 suspected cases reported with 12 cases confirmed in 3 states and 9 local government.
Lassa fever is transmitted when one comes in contact with the fluid or faeces of rodents. Symptoms include fever, nausea, malaise, abdominal pain and general weakness. The incubation ranged from 2 to 21 days.
