Nigeria CDC Update

Lassa fever is still being reported in Nigeria, but the weekly numbers are much lower than earlier in the year. According to Nigeria CDC, just 73 suspected cases were reported in the week to October 6, 2024, bringing to a total of 8484 for the year to date. The number of confirmed cases stands at 1025 with 174 deaths.

The case numbers are like those reported in 2023.

Most cases (68%) were reported in 3 states (Ondo, Edo and Bauchi).

The good news is that no healthcare worker contracted lassa fever during this reporting period.

Understanding Lassa Fever - Why we should all be aware of viral haemorrhagic fevers

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease spread by a rodent. The rodents shed the virus in urine and droppings, contaminating food. The disease is transmitted to humans through ingestion and inhalation. Those most at risk are people living in close proximity to the rodent.

The disease can also be transmitted from human to human by secretions, blood and excretions. Healthcare workers can be at risk when looking after infected individuals.

During a similar outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria in 2018, a total of 1,893 cases were reported between Jan 1 and May 6. Four hundred and twenty-three cases were laboratory confirmed and there were 106 deaths. Among the deaths were 37 healthcare workers.

The importance of lassa fever awareness among healthcare workers in lassa fever endemic areas cannot be understated. The same level of awareness should apply to healthcare workers when attending to returned travellers with fevers of unknown origin.