Nigeria’s fight against the spread of Lassa fever has recorded a slight decline in new infections, even as the fatality rate continues to rise, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In its latest update released Monday, the NCDC reported that 65 new cases were recorded in the last week of February, a drop from 77 infections documented in the preceding week. Despite the decline, the agency raised concerns over a sharp increase in the case fatality rate, which has climbed to over 23 percent, compared to just under 19 percent recorded during the same period last year.
The NCDC attributed the rising death rate to delayed health-seeking behaviour among infected individuals, noting that many patients present late for treatment. It also identified poor sanitation and low awareness levels in high-burden communities as key drivers of the outbreak.
“The increase in fatality is likely linked to late presentation of cases, as well as gaps in sanitation and public awareness in affected areas,” the agency said.
In response, the NCDC disclosed that it is intensifying intervention efforts across affected states, including strengthening surveillance systems, expanding contact tracing, and deploying rapid response teams to identified hotspots. The agency added that personal protective equipment is also being distributed to health facilities to safeguard frontline workers.
Data from the report shows that individuals aged between 21 and 30 years are the most affected demographic, while infections among healthcare workers have also seen an uptick, raising further concern within the health sector.
Lassa fever, first identified in 1969 in the town of Lassa, belongs to the same family of viral hemorrhagic fevers as Ebola and Marburg virus disease. The disease typically presents with symptoms such as fever and vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to internal bleeding.
Although the disease is endemic in parts of West Africa and remains asymptomatic in about 80 percent of cases, severe outcomes are more likely when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Health authorities also note that there are currently no licensed vaccines available for Lassa fever, underscoring the importance of early detection and preventive measures.
Boluwatife Enome
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