The number of confirmed Lassa fever cases increased to 937, up from the previous 933, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The Lassa fever outbreak has killed 173 people in the country so far this year.

The Situation Report for week 40 obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday showed that the cases were reported in 26 states and 104 local government areas.

The NCDC noted that of all the confirmed cases, 71 per cent are from Ondo (33 per cent), Edo (25 per cent), and Bauchi (13 per cent) States. Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever and an acute viral illness. This zoonotic disease has a high morbidity and mortality rate, as well as economic, health and security implications.

The report read in part, “In week 40, the number of new confirmed cases is the same as reported in week 39, 2022 to four cases. These were reported from Ondo, Bauchi and Ekiti States.

“Cumulatively from week one to week 40, 2022, 173 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 18.5 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.1 per cent).

“In total for 2022, 26 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 104 Local Government Areas. Of all confirmed cases, 71 per cent are from Ondo (33 per cent), Edo (25 per cent), and Bauchi (13 per cent) States.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The 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. No new Healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 40.

“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels.”