The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that Bauchi State emerged as the epicentre of the disease in Northern Nigeria, recording the highest number of cases and fatalities in the region.
This is contained in the 43rd weekly Lassa Fever Situation Report of 2024 released recently.
The report indicated that 14 Northern states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 171 confirmed cases and 31 deaths within the last 10 months.
The figure is part of a broader national context where a cumulative total of 1,055 confirmed cases and 175 deaths has been reported up to the 43rd week of 2024, across 28 states of the federation and FCT.
Taraba State follows Bauchi with 101 confirmed cases and 21 recorded deaths, placing it second in terms of severity in Northern Nigeria.
Benue State is also notable, reporting 64 confirmed cases with 11 deaths. States such as Kogi, Kaduna, and Plateau have experienced fewer confirmed cases – 34, 15, and 14 respectively – but continue to battle fatalities ranging from 4 to 8.
National Context
The NCDC report showed that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi account for 68% of all confirmed cases nationwide, with Bauchi alone representing a significant portion of the disease’s spread in the northern region.
Despite a decrease in confirmed weekly cases – from 12 in week 42 to 8 in week 43 – the cumulative figures highlight persistent challenges.
The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 16.6%, marginally lower than the 17.0% seen at the same point in 2023.
Health System Under Strain
The recurring high incidence in states like Bauchi and Taraba suggests systemic challenges.
Inadequate public health infrastructure, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to effective treatment contribute to the high fatality rates.
States such as Niger, Gombe, and Nasarawa have reported lower numbers, with cases ranging between 2 and 5, and deaths limited to 1 or 2.
However, these numbers, while less severe, still underscore the urgent need for vigilance.
Interestingly, Adamawa, FCT, Kano, and Katsina reported minimal confirmed cases (0-1) with no recorded deaths, showing varied regional impacts that may be linked to local public health initiatives or reporting inconsistencies.
The NCDC emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Strategies such as enhancing diagnostic capacity, improving access to Ribavirin (an antiviral treatment), and more aggressive rodent control measures are pivotal.
The agency also urged public to follow preventive measures, including proper food storage and maintaining clean environments to reduce rodent infestations.
 shows that Bauchi State emerged as the epicentre in Northern Nigeria, with the highest number of cases){kind=link}