Lassa Fever: 39 deaths recorded in January despite drop in cases, says NCDC

NCDC said that despite the decline in weekly cases, the cumulative number of confirmed cases for 2025 has risen to 214.

News Agency of Nigeria • February 2, 2025

Lassa-fever

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases for Epidemiological Week 3 of 2025.

However, fatalities remain a concern, with 39 deaths recorded so far this year.

The NCDC disclosed this in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report published on its official website on Sunday.

According to the report, confirmed cases fell from 89 in Week Two to 71 in Week 3, with infections reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Delta, and Kogi States.

NCDC said that despite the decline in weekly cases, the cumulative number of confirmed cases for 2025 has risen to 214, with an 18.2 per cent case fatality ratio (CFR)—a slight decrease from 20.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.

The NCDC noted that 77 per cent of confirmed cases originated from three states: Ondo (38 per cent), Edo (22 per cent), and Bauchi (17 per cent).

The agency said the most affected age group was 21-30, with cases ranging from three to 94 years.

It said that no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week.

The agency further revealed that 10 states and 43 local government areas (LGAs) have recorded at least one confirmed case this year, compared to 17 states and 54 LGAs in 2024.

The NCDC activated a multi-sectoral incident management system and deployed national rapid response teams to affected areas to curb the outbreaks.

It said other key interventions included enhanced surveillance and contact tracing, with 109 contacts under follow-up. Also, NCDC said it distributed medical supplies, such as PPEs, Ribavirin, body bags, and sanitisers to treatment centres.

“Community sensitisation efforts in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo States,” it added.

The agency, in collaboration with partners, pledged to strengthen early detection, case management, and risk communication across the country.

Meanwhile, public health experts have warned that increased awareness and improved healthcare preparedness are crucial to reducing the burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, including proper food storage to prevent rodent infestation.

Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring almost yearly. It was first identified in 1969 in Lassa, Borno.

Symptoms range from mild fever and joint pain to severe bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract.

(NAN)

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