NCDC reports reduction in confirmed cases of Lassa fever

NCDC has reported a decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases for Epidemiological Week Five, January 27 to February 2, 2025.

News Agency of Nigeria • February 18, 2025

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

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)

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