The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 68 new cases of Lassa Fever infection in its latests epidemiological situation report. The recent cases were confirmed across seven states between 27 January and 2 February 2025. The affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Kogi, Gombe, and Ebonyi.
According to the agency, this marks a Decline in the infection of the disease from the 76 cases reported in the preceding week.
The NCDC also confirmed that three healthcare workers were infected during the reporting period.
Cumulatively, by the fifth week of 2025, Nigeria had recorded 358 confirmed cases and 70 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 19.6 per cent, slightly higher than the 19.2 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
According to the NCDC, 75 per cent of all confirmed cases originated from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, accounting for 37 per cent, 20 per cent, and 18 per cent of cases, respectively. The agency noted that the disease has now spread across 10 states and 58 local government areas, with individuals aged 21 to 30 years being the most affected.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC stated that it has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate efforts. The agency said its measures include deploying National Rapid Response Teams to high-burden states, intensifying active surveillance, distributing medical supplies, and training healthcare workers.
Despite these efforts, the NCDC identified several challenges, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and inadequate sanitation in affected areas.
The agency advised Nigerians to prevent rodent infestation, maintain clean surroundings, and practise proper hygiene to curb the spread of Lassa fever.
NCDC has assured the public that it would continue collaborating with partners to strengthen case management, surveillance, and preventive measures.
