The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has reported a hike in Lassa fever cases in week 51 of 2023.
The centre, however, reported a lower death rate compared to the same period the previous year.
This was stated on NCDC’s official website on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the centre, in week 51 of 2023, the number of newly confirmed Lassa fever cases increased significantly from 10 in week 50 to 26 cases.
“These cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Plateau States,” it said.
“Cumulatively, from week 1 to week 51 of 2023, a total of 215 deaths have been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 17.5 per cent.
“This figure is slightly lower than the record for the same period in 2022, which was 17.9 per cent.
“Throughout the year 2023, Lassa fever cases were reported in 28 states across 121 Local Government Areas.
“The majority of confirmed cases, accounting for 77 per cent, were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.
“Specifically, Ondo State reported 35 per cent of the confirmed cases, Edo reported 28 per cent and Bauchi reported 14 per cent.”