Lassa Fever: 867 cases, 164 deaths in Nigeria
A total of 867 people have tested positive for Lassa fever in Nigeria in 2022, and there have been 164 deaths, according to the Nigerian CDC.
Deaths from Lassa fever in Nigeria in 2022 are now double those recorded for the same period in 2021 (164/79).
The case fatality rate for Lassa fever in Nigeria has dropped in 2022 compared to 2021 as more cases have been confirmed over the same time period (867/346).
“Cumulatively, from week 1 to week 30, 2022, 164 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.9%”.
An update of Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria_210722_30
Nigeria CDC Lassa Fever update @NCDCgov
Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever, is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. When symptoms occur, they typically include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and muscle pains. Less commonly, there may be bleeding from the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
The disease is usually initially spread to people via contact with the urine or faeces of an infected multimammate mouse. Spread can then occur via direct contact between people.
There is no vaccine for Lassa fever. Prevention requires isolating those who are infected and decreasing contact with the mice.
Image by Marcus33, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
