Emerging Infectious Diseases (May 2019)

Increase in Lassa Fever Cases in Nigeria, January–March 2018

  • Elsie A. Ilori,
  • Christina Frank,
  • Chioma C. Dan-Nwafor,
  • Oladipupo Ipadeola,
  • Amrei Krings,
  • Winifred Ukponu,
  • Oboma E. Womi-Eteng,
  • Ayodele Adeyemo,
  • Samuel K. Mutbam,
  • Emmanuel O. Musa,
  • Clement L.P. Lasuba,
  • Wondimagegnehu Alemu,
  • Sylvanus Okogbenin,
  • Ephraim Ogbaini,
  • Uche Unigwe,
  • Emeka Ogah,
  • Robinson Onoh,
  • Chukwuyem Abejegah,
  • Olufemi Ayodeji,
  • Chikwe Ihekweazu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2505.181247
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 5
pp. 1026 – 1027

Abstract

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We reviewed data pertaining to the massive wave of Lassa fever cases that occurred in Nigeria in 2018. No new virus strains were detected, but in 2018, the outbreak response was intensified, additional diagnostic support was available, and surveillance sensitivity increased. These factors probably contributed to the high case count.

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