Lassa Fever Death Toll in Nigeria Reaches 191

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that the death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria rose to 191 last week. The health authorities warned of an increase in infections across several states, with 23 states and 106 local government areas recording at least one confirmed case this year.

The case fatality rate (CFR) indicates that individuals aged 21 to 30 are significantly affected, with a median age of 30 for reported cases. The NCDC noted that the high fatality rate is a clear signal that many patients arrive at treatment centers too late, resulting in preventable deaths.

The latest figures suggest that current prevention strategies are ineffective, highlighting the need for early detection and prompt treatment to improve survival rates. Lassa fever, first diagnosed in a village in Borno State in 1969, poses a serious health challenge in Nigeria, with frequent outbreaks attributed to reduced response capacity and surveillance.

Health authorities are urged to implement routine infection prevention and control measures.