WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 4: 22- 28 January 2024
Data as reported by: 17:00; 28 January 2024
...
Nigeria
Lasser Fever
53 Cases
6 Deaths
11.3% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has seen a significant
development in the first epidemiological week of 2024,
(1 to 7 January). Comparing the data with the previous
year, 2023, there has been an evident increase in both
suspected and confirmed cases. In week 4, there were
190 suspected cases and 53 confirmed cases of Lassa
Fever, a notable rise from the 143 suspected and 29
confirmed cases in the same period of the previous year.
The reported deaths due to confirmed cases in the first
week of 2024 are six, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate
(CFR) of 11.3%. This CFR, although significant, is a
decrease from the previous year’s 27.6% in the same
period. The outbreak has spread across nine states,
affecting 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The majority of the confirmed cases, about 71% (n=38),
are concentrated in three states: Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi.
The remaining 29% (n=15) of cases are spread across
six other states. Ondo and Edo states each reported
25% (n=13) of the confirmed cases, while Bauchi
reported 21% (n=11). The age group most affected by
the outbreak is 21-30 years, with a median age of 32
years. The gender distribution among confirmed cases
shows a nearly balanced ratio, with a male-to-female
ratio of approximately 1:0.9.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
In response to the outbreak, the following measures have
been implemented:
Activation of the Incident Management System/Multisectoral
Public Health Emergency Operation Centres
at the national level and in some affected states.
Treatment of confirmed cases at designated
treatment centers across the affected states.
Distribution of updated guidelines for case
management and safe burial practices.
Diagnosis of samples in Lassa fever testing
laboratories nationwide.
Dissemination of reports on the preparedness
survey conducted in the 36 States and the
Federal Capital Territory to assess readiness
and response to Lassa fever.
Dissemination of media content, including
press releases, tweets, and public advisories.
Hosting of the first Lassa Fever webinar for
2024, focusing on “Empowering Communities
to Combat Lassa Fever.”
Collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations to enhance the
implementation of research activities.
Provision of off-site support on Infection
Prevention and Control (IPC) and safe burial
practices to the affected states.
A team is monitoring of outbreak emergency
composite indicators to guide further action.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has
recently demonstrated a worrying escalation in cases
compared to the previous year, underscoring the need for
continued vigilance and robust response mechanisms.
The concentrated nature of the outbreak in certain states
and the demographic profile of those affected indicate
specific areas where targeted interventions might be most
effective. A multi-faceted approach to responding to the
outbreak has been applied, with comprehensive response
activities, including case management, dissemination of
guidelines, diagnosis improvements, and the emphasis on
community empowerment and research. Progressively, it
is crucial to maintain and enhance these response efforts,
focusing on high-burden areas while ensuring nationwide
preparedness. Continued monitoring, and alongside
community engagement and awareness campaigns,
will be key to controlling the spread of Lassa fever and
mitigating its impact in Nigeria.
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...ergencies-bulletin-week-04-22-28-january-2024
