The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has disclosed that Nigeria has recorded 829 cases of Lassa fever and 160 deaths in 2022.
NCDC in its latest situation report said there are 5,510 suspected cases of the infection across 98 Local Government Areas in 24 states.
The report also showed that of all confirmed cases, 68 per cent are from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states respectively.
NCDC also warned that people between the ages of 21 and 30 are at risk of contracting it than others.
The statement read in part, “In week 26, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 10 in week 25 this year to nine cases. These were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Benue States.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 26, 2022, 160 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.3% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (20.0%).
“In total for 2022, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 98 Local Government Areas.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. No new healthcare workers were affected in the reporting week 26.
“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels.”