Lassa Fever Cases on the Rise – NCDC Reports
Lassa fever is making a concerning comeback across Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) .
In its latest Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 22 (May 26 – June 1) , released on Friday, the agency confirmed eight new cases reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states — up from six cases the previous week.
So far in 2025 , Nigeria has recorded 747 confirmed cases and 142 deaths , giving a case fatality rate of 19.0% — higher than the 18.1% recorded during the same period in 2024 .
This increase raises alarms about the effectiveness of current public health strategies and calls for urgent action.
18 States Affected, With Five Accounting for Majority of Cases
The disease has now spread to 18 states and 96 local government areas nationwide.
Five states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi — account for an overwhelming 91% of all confirmed infections.
Although no new healthcare worker infections or probable cases were recorded during the reporting week, underlying challenges remain significant.
These include:
- Delayed reporting of symptoms
- Poor sanitation in endemic communities
- Low levels of health-seeking behavior among at-risk populations
Experts say these factors continue to slow containment efforts and increase the risk of more severe outcomes.
Response Efforts Intensified Amid Growing Concerns
Health authorities have stepped up response activities, including surveillance, community outreach, and sensitization campaigns.
However, experts stress that without stronger engagement at the grassroots level, progress will remain limited.
“People must be encouraged to seek early treatment,” one health official said.
“Waiting too long not only worsens outcomes but also increases the chance of spreading the virus.”
Public awareness and improved hygiene practices are seen as key to reducing transmission and saving lives.
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
Are you concerned about the rising number of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria? What more should be done to stop the spread?
💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on how Nigeria can better manage infectious disease outbreaks.
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