He Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an additional 68 Lassa fever infections and 15 deaths in the sixth week of 2023, February 6-12.
The NCDC in its latest situation report published this Monday on its website revealed that the new cases bring the total confirmed cases and deaths registered in 2023 to 531 and 85 respectively.
It noted that the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 106 in week five of 2023 to 68 cases, which were reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Gombe, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states.
Cumulatively, the NCDC noted that from week one through week six of 2023, total deaths were reported at a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16 percent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 ( 16.5 percent).
It added that in total by 2023, 20 states have registered at least one confirmed case in 79 local government areas, with the trio of Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states topping the list with 74 percent.
Ondo State reported 36 percent, while Edo and Bauchi accounted for 31 and seven percent, respectively.
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The NCDC noted that four new healthcare workers were infected in the sixth week of the report, adding that the number of suspected cases has risen compared to that reported for the same period in 2022.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease (excessive bleeding) that is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or contaminated people.
Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chest pain, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.