Cholera and Lassa Fever Claim 202 Lives in Six Months, Reports NCDC

In the past six months, 202 lives have been lost to Lassa fever and cholera, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The NCDC reported 6,704 suspected Lassa fever cases and 162 deaths across 125 local government areas in 28 states. The latest cholera outbreak has resulted in about 40 deaths.

These figures were disclosed in the NCDC’s Lassa fever situation report posted on its website on Friday. Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, part of the arenavirus family. The case fatality rate for Lassa fever (17.8%) is higher than the same period in 2023 (17.1%).

The NCDC noted that in 2024, 28 states reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 125 local government areas. The majority of confirmed cases (65%) were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states. The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.

However, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris stated that the center lacks sufficient vaccines and is awaiting additional cholera vaccines from donor agencies. He emphasized the need for preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is collaborating with national health authorities and international organizations to contain the outbreaks. The NMA has deployed rapid response teams and is promoting public health measures, including good hygiene and access to safe drinking water.

Experts expressed concern over the recurrent outbreaks. Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, highlighted the low level of hygiene and health education as key factors. He stressed that these diseases are preventable and called for greater efforts to improve public health practices.

Similarly, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, a medical virologist and immunologist at Adeleke University, noted that the simultaneous outbreaks of cholera and Lassa fever are a significant concern. He emphasized the need for strengthened surveillance systems and public education to prevent these diseases.

Kolawole also warned that climate change could exacerbate these outbreaks. Heavy rains and flooding increase human-rodent contact and contaminate water supplies, leading to more widespread outbreaks of both diseases.