HEALTHCases of Lassa fever surged in week 51 of 2023 – NCDC

There has been an increase in Lassa fever infections in week 51 of 2023, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, or NCDC.

But when compared to the same time last year, the center reported a reduced death rate.

On Sunday in Abuja, this was announced on the NCDC’s official website.
The center reports that from 10 cases in week 50 to 26 cases in week 51 of 2023, there was a considerable increase in newly confirmed Lassa fever cases.

It stated, “These cases were reported in the states of Taraba, Bauchi, Ondo, and the Plateau.”

A total of 215 deaths have been reported cumulatively from week 1 to week 51 of 2023, with a case fatality rate of 17.5%.

“This percentage is marginally less than the 17.9% record for the same period in 2022.

Lassa fever infections were reported in 121 Local Government Areas spread over 28 states in the year 2023.

“Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States reported the bulk of confirmed cases, or 77% of all cases.

“In particular, Edo reported 28% of the confirmed cases, Bauchi reported 14%, and Ondo State reported 35%.”