The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in Lassa fever cases during week 39 of 2024, with nine new infections confirmed in Ondo and Edo states. According to the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the total number of cases this year has risen to 1,018 across 28 states, with 172 deaths recorded. This reflects a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR), now at 16.9%.
The majority of cases have been reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, which together account for 68% of all confirmed infections in 2024. The NCDC highlighted that delayed presentation of symptoms, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate sanitation in high-burden areas continue to drive the rise in fatalities.
The most affected age group is between 31 and 40 years, with an equal distribution of male and female patients. The NCDC noted that no healthcare workers were infected during the reporting period, a positive development amid the increasing number of cases. Despite ongoing national efforts and interventions by the NCDC and its partners, the rise in Lassa fever cases remains a significant public health concern.
