Data published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reveals that at least 202 individuals have succumbed to Cholera and Lassa Fever infections in the last six months.
The NCDC documented 6,704 suspected cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 162 fatalities spread across 125 local government areas within 28 states. Meanwhile, the death toll from the recent cholera outbreak has reached 40. These statistics were posted on the NCDC website last Friday.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lassa fever is a severe viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, belonging to the arenavirus family. Humans typically contract the virus by coming into contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.
“In 2024, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 local government areas. 65% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, while 35% were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 65% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 25 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 18%.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 98 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1,” it added.
Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of the NCDC, said that the centre lacked vaccines to combat the disease. He mentioned that an order for more vaccines from donor agencies had been placed but the date of delivery is still unknown.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria to adopt the use of vaccines and other preventive measures to tackle the spread of Cholera and Lassa Fever.