NCDC Reports Increase in Lassa Fever Cases and Deaths Across Nigeria.
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- NCDC Reports Increase in Lassa Fever Cases and Deaths Across Nigeria.
NCDC Reports Increase in Lassa Fever Cases and Deaths Across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a continued rise in Lassa fever cases and fatalities, according to its latest report covering Epidemiological
Week 22 (May 26 – June 1).
In that week alone, eight new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states—an increase from six the previous week. So far in 2025, Nigeria has reported 747 confirmed cases and 142 deaths, bringing the case fatality rate to 19%, up from 18.1% during the same period in 2024.
The outbreak has affected 18 states and 96 local government areas. However, five states Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for 91% of all confirmed cases.
Although there were no new infections among healthcare workers in the latest reporting period, challenges such as late diagnosis, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access continue to hinder containment efforts.
To respond to the surge, the NCDC has deployed rapid response teams, launched public awareness campaigns, and activated online training for healthcare professionals on infection control.
Public health expert Dr. Solomon Chollom stressed the importance of community involvement in prevention. He pointed out that Lassa fever primarily spreads through exposure to urine or feces from infected rodents, and that educating the public about hygiene and disease transmission is key to controlling its spread.
Chollom also noted that while Lassa fever is typically more common during the dry season, its increasing occurrence year-round may be influenced by urbanization, climate change, and persistent sanitation issues.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected group, highlighting the need for targeted outreach in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Experts have called on state and local governments to improve waste management, strengthen disease surveillance at the grassroots level, and ensure early detection and reporting of cases.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness that can also spread through contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal or external bleeding.
As Nigeria also battles other public health challenges such as cholera and Mpox, the growing Lassa outbreak underscores the urgent need for improved national health infrastructure and a coordinated response.
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Faith Kegh
Content & Editorial Manager - Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.
As the key driver of TokinPoint Media LTD's editorial voice, the manager oversees content planning, assigns tasks to writers or editors, enforces deadlines, and ensures consistency across all platforms. She also plays a strategic role in aligning content with audience interests and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.