The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a significant number of Lassa fever cases and deaths this year. Between January and October 6, 2024, Nigeria recorded 1, 025 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 174 fatalities attributed to the disease. The outbreak has spanned across 28 states, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17%, which mirrors the statistics from the same period in 2023.
In its latest report, the NCDC revealed that there were seven new confirmed cases from September 30 to October 6. This represents a slight decrease from the nine cases recorded in the previous week. Unfortunately, during the same week, two more deaths were reported. The NCDC underscored the heavy toll the outbreak has taken on certain states, highlighting that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi alone accounted for 68% of all confirmed cases in 2024. The remaining 32% were spread across 25 other states, indicating the widespread nature of this outbreak.
The NCDC also noted an increase in suspected cases, with 8, 484 cases recorded in 2024 compared to 7, 621 in the same timeframe last year. This surge underscores the urgency of the public health threat posed by Lassa fever in Nigeria. The data indicates that the age group most affected is between 21 and 30 years, a demographic typically seen as more resilient to infectious diseases.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated its National Lassa Fever multi- partner, multi- sectoral Incident Management System. This system is designed to manage and coordinate response efforts from the Emergency Operations Centre, which is essential for directing resources and attention to areas most in need.
The NCDC has highlighted several challenges that complicate efforts to control the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria. One of the most pressing issues is the late presentation of cases, which contributes significantly to the high fatality rate. Many individuals affected by the disease do not seek medical care promptly, often due to a lack of awareness or fear of stigmatization. Poor health- seeking behavior further exacerbates the problem, as delayed treatment can worsen symptoms and increase the likelihood of death.
Another contributing factor is limited access to affordable treatment options. Although treatment is available, it is often inaccessible for those living in remote or impoverished areas. This limitation has left many vulnerable individuals unable to receive the care they need in a timely manner, increasing the spread of the virus and contributing to the high number of fatalities.
In addition to these healthcare- related obstacles, poor environmental sanitation remains a significant hurdle. In high- burden communities, inadequate waste management and poor housing conditions create favorable environments for the rodents that carry the Lassa fever virus. These rodents often enter homes in search of food, thereby facilitating the transmission of the virus to humans.
Moreover, there is a pervasive lack of awareness about Lassa fever in many affected communities. The NCDC has emphasized the need for public health education campaigns to inform people about the risks of Lassa fever, as well as preventive measures they can take. However, with limited resources and competing health challenges, raising awareness in these areas has been an ongoing struggle.
To address these challenges, the NCDC continues to work closely with local and international health partners. Collaborative efforts focus on improving response strategies, increasing access to healthcare, and enhancing community engagement. The NCDC also aims to strengthen surveillance systems and laboratory capacity to detect and respond to Lassa fever cases more effectively.
In conclusion, while Nigeria has made strides in controlling Lassa fever, the disease remains a serious public health threat. The NCDC' s ongoing efforts to improve response and raise awareness will be crucial in reducing the spread of Lassa fever and mitigating its impact on affected communities.
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