The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an unsettling surge in Lassa fever fatalities, with the death toll skyrocketing to a staggering 177! This grim statistic, unveiled in the latest epidemiological report, highlights the relentless struggle against this virulent disease that has captured the attention of health officials and citizens alike.

As we reach the end of epidemiological Week 44, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has alarmingly jumped to 18.3 percent, an increase from 16.5 percent in the previous year! This rise in mortality rates screams for immediate public health interventions and awareness campaigns,an urgent call to action that can no longer be ignored!

Lassa fever,an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the notorious Lassa virus,is wreaking havoc across Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that unsuspecting individuals often contract this deadly virus through contaminated food or household items, posing a dangerous risk from infected Mastomys rats. This disease, endemic to the rodent population in multiple West African nations, continues to challenge public health on a grand scale.

The WHO has categorized Lassa fever as endemic in several West African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and of course, Nigeria. 

As of Week 44, Nigeria has confirmed a total of 966 Lassa fever cases. This alarming outbreak has spread its reach to 21 states across 102 Local Government Areas,indicating that no part of the nation is safe! In just the last week, new confirmed cases have crept up from 11 to 12, with Ondo, Edo, and Benue States at the epicenter of this unfolding crisis.

The cumulative data for this year paints a bleak picture: 177 deaths with an accompanying CFR of 18.3 percent,significantly higher than last year’s figures. The NCDC's report highlights a staggering concentration of 87 percent of all confirmed cases in just four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba. Ondo alone accounts for a shocking 36 percent of these cases, leaving countless families in despair.

Demographic data reveals that the most affected age group is the 21 to 30-year-olds, with a median age of 30 years! The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8, indicating that young men are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Interestingly, despite the rapidly rising death toll, the number of suspected and confirmed cases has actually decreased compared to last year,an odd glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

In a rare piece of good news, no new healthcare workers have been reported affected during the latest reporting week, a small victory for those bravely battling on the front lines. The National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group is tirelessly coordinating response efforts.

As the situation continues to unfold, staying informed and vigilant is more critical than ever! Health authorities are sounding the alarm, urging communities to uphold stringent hygiene practices and preventive measures to combat this deadly virus. The battle against Lassa fever rages on, and we must unite to protect our health!