The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 1,068 cases of Lassa fever in 28 states across the country, as of week 37 of the ongoing outbreak.

The NCDC, in its latest situation report, stated that Lassa fever remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria, with several cases being reported every year.

The report noted that 112 local government areas across the country have recorded at least one case of the disease. Lassa fever is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever, transmitted through contact with urine or droppings of infected rodents.

Poor environmental sanitation, lack of awareness, and late presentation of cases to health facilities have been identified as factors fueling the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that 7,352 suspected cases have been reported in the country, with 181 deaths.

The NCDC noted that the case-fatality ratio of the current outbreak is 16.9 per cent. This highlights the need for improved sanitation and health education to prevent and control the spread of the disease.