The epidemiological report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has shown that 18 in 100 persons infected with Lassa fever are likely to die.
The report said between August 29 to September 4, 10 new cases of Lassa fever were recorded from three states: Ondo (five), Edo (four), and Nasarawa (one).
It pegged the case fatality rate (CFR) of the disease since January at 18.7 percent.
It said: “… from Week One to Week 35, 2022, 170 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 percent, lower than the CFR for 2021 (22.7 percent).
“… for 2022, 25 states have recorded one confirmed case across 101 local governments. Of all confirmed cases, 70 percent are from Ondo (31 percent), Edo (26 percent), and Bauchi (13 percent).
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio is 1:0.8. No new healthcare workers were affected in the reporting Week 35.”
This brings confirmed cases since January to 909, while deaths rose to 170, with one from Ondo State last week.
To reduce the risk of Lassa fever, NCDC advises proper environmental sanitation and proper disposal of refuse.
