A lead WHO official says the most recent wave of cases has proved especially challenging, with cases widely dispersed.
Lassa fever activity in Nigeria is increasing again, following an unprecedented outbreak earlier this year for which the acute phase was declared over on May 10, the World Health Organization's (WHO's) African regional office reported today in its weekly update.
With 13 new illnesses in 3 days and 8 older ones just confirmed, the outbreak has now reached 498 cases.
Female patients represent 62% of cases, and children 14 years and under 24%—worrisome statistics.
Officials confirm 13 new cases, bringing the outbreak total to 471 cases and 273 deaths.
"We have to make sure pregnant women are on the agenda, so they will never again be left unprotected."
The WHO reports that cases dropped from 46 confirmed illnesses 2 weeks ago to 28 last week—and 43 health workers are now infected.
With 9 new infections, the country now has 453 cases and 268 deaths, and 71 people are under investigation.
New cases are in 8 locations, and a WHO official expressed concern over vaccine supplies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) health ministry today reported two more Ebola cases, plus two more deaths, according to its daily statement.
Of the two new cases, one is a lab confirmed infection in a patient from Beni. The other is classified as a probable illness involving an individual from Katwa, located east of Butembo, who died and is part of a family cluster from the area that the ministry reported on Nov 20.
