The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a concerning rise in Lassa fever cases across the country, with 214 confirmed cases and 39 deaths recorded this year.
In its latest report released on Friday, the NCDC stated that 71 new cases were reported between January 13th and January 19th. The affected states include Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Delta, and Kogi.
“Cumulatively in week 3 of 2025, 39 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.2%, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (20.4%),” the report noted.
Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi accounted for 77% of all confirmed cases, with Ondo reporting the highest number at 38%. The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
The number of suspected cases has also increased compared to the same period in 2024.
The NCDC has activated its national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate response activities at all levels.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow Africa Update Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!