164 people die of Lassa fever as the number of cases rises to 857

Case of Lassa fever in Nigeria has risen to 857 and 164 people have so far died from the disease in the first seven months of 2022.

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) said so in its latest Lassa fever situation report for week 29, which showed that there were 857 confirmed cases of the disease in the country .

The NCDC said the cases were spread across 24 states and 99 local government areas nationwide.

He said 54 healthcare workers had been infected with the disease.

"A breakdown indicated that of all confirmed cases, Ondo has 30% of Edo States, 26% and Bauchi 14%.

“In week 29, the number of new confirmed cases fell from five in week 28 2022 to cases. These have been reported in Edo and Ondo states.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 29, 2022, 164 deaths were reported with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 19.1%, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021, 23, 7%.

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“In total for 2022, 24 states have had at least one confirmed case in 99 local government areas. Of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo, 30% from Edo 26% and Bauchi 14% of cases.

"The predominant age range affected is 21-30: 0-90, median age: 30. Male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. A new healthcare worker has been affected in Ondo State,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted by rats.

It has been known about since the 1950s, but the virus was only identified in 1969 when two missionary nurses died of it in the town of Lassa in Nigeria.

Even after recovery, the virus remains in bodily fluids, including semen. Neighboring countries are also at risk, as the animal vector of the Lassa virus, the “multimammary rat” (Mastomys natalensis) is present throughout the region.