DEATH Hits Ondo & Edo States As 172 Die; SEE What’s Killing Them
A dangerous illness is spreading across Nigeria, claiming lives at an alarming rate, particularly in Ondo and Edo states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that Lassa fever, a viral disease is responsible for 172 deaths in 2024 alone in Ondo and Edo states. This has raised concerns, as the number of cases continues to increase.
In a recent report, the NCDC revealed that between September 23 and 29, new cases were confirmed in Ondo and Edo. The number of confirmed Lassa fever cases rose from four in the previous week to nine during this period. Cumulatively, a total of 172 deaths have been reported this year, with a case fatality rate of 16. 9%. This marks a slight increase compared to last year’ s rate of 16. 8%.
Lassa fever is spreading rapidly, and 28 states have reported at least one confirmed case, affecting 128 local government areas (LGAs). The NCDC highlighted that 68% of all confirmed cases come from just three states: Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi. Ondo alone accounts for 28% of the cases, followed by Edo with 23%, and Bauchi with 17%.
The disease affects people of all ages, but those aged 31 to 40 seem to be the most impacted, with the median age being 32 years old. Interestingly, the number of suspected cases in 2024 has already surpassed the figures from the same period in 2023, signaling a growing concern.
