The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially verified 476 cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 84 fatalities across 23 States nationwide.
In addition to addressing the Lassa fever outbreak, the NCDC is actively managing other disease incidents. These include meningitis, with 507 cases and 63 deaths in 19 states, measles, with 915 suspected cases and 516 confirmed cases, resulting in two deaths across 29 states, diphtheria, with 16,248 cases and 646 deaths in 22 states, and cholera.
Dr. Jide Ojo, the Director-General of NCDC, made these revelations during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday.
He said, “As at February 18, 2024 (end of week 7), 84 local government areas in 23 states of the country have reported a total of 2,621 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 476 confirmed, and 84 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.6 percent.”
The DG said people most at risk for Lassa fever include people of all age groups who come in contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats.
He urged the public to always keep their environment clean.