Lassa Fever
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Nigeria has recorded 145 deaths from Lassa fever as of Epidemiological Week 25, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6%.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the CFR has increased from 17.6% reported for the same period in 2024.
The NCDC report revealed that 781 confirmed cases have been reported out of 5,943 suspected cases across 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The agency highlighted late presentation of cases, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behavior as contributing factors to the increased fatality.
The NCDC said it is collaborating with partners to combat the spread of Lassa fever.
“We are currently in collaboration with partners, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), ALIMA, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and others,” the agency said.
The NCDC advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical help promptly when experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
