LASSA FEVER: NIGERIA RECORDS 90 DEATHS AS SUSPECTED CASES HIT 1, 386

ABUJA, Nigeria – There seems to be no end in sight for the outbreak of Lassa fever across the federation with current death rate put at 90 while suspected cases has gone as high as 1, 386. In its weekly reports, the Centre For Decease Control reports that by 10th Epi-week, a total of 1386 suspected cases have been reported across 19 affected states. “Of this, 374 cases have been classified as: 365 confirmed cases, 9 probable cases with 90 deaths (81 in Lab confirmed and 9 in probable) recorded giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 24%”, the CDC has said.

It added that in the last three weeks, there has been a steady decline in the number of confirmed cases reported, from 54 in Epi-week 8 to 35 in Epi-week 9 and 12 in Epi-week 10.

“Historically, a steady decline in the number of cases reported is an indication of a gradual exit from the peak period of the disease.The decline in the number of new cases can be linked to the enhanced response activities in the last few weeks. However, it is important to note that additional efforts need to be placed on actively searching for cases and ensuring they are all tested for Lassa fever.

“This has necessitated the deployment of active case teams to the three-hotspot states of Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi State to support active case search and contact tracing activities in these states.