from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – NO less than 378 people have died from Lassa fever and meningitis in Nigeria.
The two diseases are having an equally destructive impact in the West African country.
At least 190 people have died from meningitis.
A total of 2 765 confirmed suspected cases have been reported from 30 states (out of 36 and Abuja) in this 2022/2023 peak season. The 5-14-year-old age group was the most affected. Some 54 percent of the total suspected case were males.
Meningitis is an inflammation or swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Lassa fever has left 288 people dead in Nigeria this year.
Statistics indicate that this year, the outbreak is more severe than 2022 when 178 people died.
This year, some 1 095 cases have been confirmed, from a suspected total of 6 981.
In 2022, there were 941 confirmed cases out of 6 981 suspected cases.
Some 28 states have confirmed outbreaks this year, compared to 26 last year.
The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years.
The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG), continues coordinating the response activities at all levels.
Lassa fever is spread by rats.
Person-to-person transmission may occur after exposure to the virus.
– CAJ News