Nigeria Lassa Fever Death Rate Rises Despite Fewer Cases. Abuja, Nigeria — The number of new Lassa fever infections in Nigeria decreased to 65 in the last week of February, according to the country’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
However, the case fatality rate has increased to over 23 percent, a significant rise from just under 19 percent during the same period last year.
The NCDC attributed the higher death rate to delayed treatment, poor sanitation, and low — information awareness in high-burden communities.
The agency is supporting local authorities with increased surveillance and contact tracing, deploying rapid response teams to infection hotspots and distributing personal protective equipment to health facilities. People between the ages of 21 and 30 are the most affected by the disease, which is endemic to the region.
Infections among healthcare workers have also seen an increase.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever, is part of the same family as Marburg and Ebola viruses, which can lead to severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic bleeding.
The disease was first identified in the town of Lassa in northern Nigeria in 1969.
While it is asymptomatic in 80 percent of cases, it can cause internal bleeding, particularly when diagnosed late.
The NCDC is working to improve the situation by enhancing local authorities’ response capabilities and educating the public on the importance of early detection and treatment.
The agency has not yet commented on the potential impact of the current outbreak on the country’s healthcare system.
Further details are expected as the situation continues to unfold.
