Lassa Fever Killed 227 In 2023

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said the nation recorded 9,155 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 1270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths in 2023.

The director-general of NCDC. Dr. Adetifa Ifedayo, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday said the cases were recorded across 28 states and 124 local government areas (LGAs).

He said, “Cumulatively, 9155 suspected cases, 1270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths; Cases Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9 per cent were reported for 2023 (across 28 states and 124 LGAs).

“The zones of impact of Lassa fever have been increasing across the country with risk of international exposures.”

The DG, however, said that the centre has activated Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen coordination of response efforts in response to the rapidly increasing cases of Lassa fever in the country.

He said, “The NCDC through the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (LF-TWG) has activated the national multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa Fever (LF-EOC).”

Ifedayo said the LF-EOC activation resulted from a risk assessment conducted by subject matter experts from relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.

“The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at ‘High Risk’ of increased risk of Lassa fever transmission and impact due to increased number of states reporting cases, high case fatality in confirmed cases, the low index of suspicion among health care workers, healthcare worker infections, deaths and continued attrition of essential healthcare,” he said.