NCDC reports reduction in confirmed cases of Lassa fever
According to its latest situation report, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases for Epidemiological Week Five, January 27 to February 2, 2025.
The NCDC, via its official website, said the case-fatality ratio increased compared to the same period in 2024, raising concerns about the severity of the outbreak.
The NCDC’s report revealed 68 new confirmed cases across seven states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Kogi, Gombe, and Ebonyi, marking a decline from 76 cases in the previous week.
Cumulatively, by week five of 2025, there have been 358 confirmed cases and 70 deaths, with a CFR of 19.6 per cent, which is higher than the 19.2 per cent recorded in the same period in 2024.
The report highlighted that 75 per cent of all confirmed cases originated from Ondo (37 per cent), Edo (20 per cent), and Bauchi (18 per cent).
“The disease has spread to 10 states, spanning 58 local government areas, with the predominant age group affected being 21–30 years. Alarmingly, three healthcare workers were infected in the reporting week.
“The NCDC has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate response efforts, including deploying National Rapid Response Teams, conducting active surveillance, distributing medical supplies, and training healthcare workers in high-burden states.
“In spite of these efforts, challenges persist, such as late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and poor sanitation in affected areas,” the report said.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, such as preventing rodent infestation, maintaining clean surroundings, and practising proper hygiene.
“The agency continues to work with partners to strengthen case management, surveillance, and prevention strategies. For further updates and prevention guidelines, the public is encouraged to visit the NCDC website at www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the NCDC toll-free helpline at 6232,” it said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Hot news Home top
Lagos judiciary approves one-week Easter break for workers
The statement noted that workers were expected to resume work on April 28.
NationWide
Senate vows quick passage of forest security service bill
He commended the leadership of NFSS under Mr Osatimehin for successes its operatives had recorded across the country.
States
Police detain six suspected robbers, recover two cars in Lagos
The PPRO said two Toyota Camry cars with some fake dollar notes were also recovered from them.
States
Six die after truck rams into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha
Mr Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
States
Police officer shoots self dead in Ogun
The police said the firearm used in the incident had been recovered, and the officer’s body had been deposited at the hospital for an autopsy.
States
Parenting Crisis: Lagos deputy gov warns parents against misplaced priorities
Mr Hamzat said many children were no longer interested in caring for their ageing parents and had left them vulnerable and alone.
