Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 200 deaths in 2023— NCDC

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), from January to December 3, 2023, Nigeria had 1,170 confirmed cases of lassa fever and 200 fatalities.

This was revealed yesterday in a public health advisory on lassa fever issued by the NCDC and signed by Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the director-general.

According to Adetifa, the nation has seen a consistent rise in the number of states reporting cases of lassa fever. These factors include enhanced surveillance, increased community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change, and other harmful human activities in the environment.

He said, “In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 local government areas (LGAs), whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1067 confirmed cases across 27 States and 112 LGAs. In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths.”

The NCDC's Lassa Fever TWG, according to the DG, has put strategic measures in place to improve coordination, collaboration, and communication, which will increase preparedness and readiness for any spikes in the number of lassa fever cases.

Source