The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 14 new confirmed cases, with one death following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.

Jide Idris, director general of the NCDC, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Idris said that cases were recorded in the three states between May 6 and May 12 this year, adding that people between the ages of 31 and 40 were predominantly affected by the disease.

He said that in 2024, 28 states out of 36 recorded at least one confirmed case spread across 125 local government areas.

“Sixty-four per cent of all the confirmed cases were from the three states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 36 per cent were reported from 25 states.

“Of the 64 per cent of these confirmed cases, Ondo accounted for 25 per cent, Edo 22 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent,’’ he said.

The agency said the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System had been activated to coordinate response at all levels of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC).

Mr Idris highlighted some challenges in the fight against Lassa fever. He added that late reporting of cases and poor health-seeking behaviour were key in the clinical management of the disease.

“Others were poor environmental sanitation conditions and poor awareness observed in high-burden communities,’’ he said.

The NCDC boss noted that every individual, irrespective of age, is susceptible to Lassa fever, stressing the need for caution to avoid the devastating effects.

He added that as the agency intensified efforts to raise awareness about Lassa fever, people needed to take proactive measures to safeguard public health.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant at all times to avoid exposing their households to the dangers of the disease.

Mr Idris said that as the battle against Lassa fever continues, Nigeria plays a crucial role in combating the disease.

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. It is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with the rodent carrier’s urine or faeces.

(NAN)