Lassa Fever
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a surge in Lassa fever cases and deaths, with the fatality rate rising to 18.9% from 17.8% in 2024.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, 758 confirmed cases and 143 deaths have been recorded so far this year.
The NCDC noted that 11 new confirmed cases were reported in the week under review, with states such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba reporting new cases.
In fact, the agency stated that 90% of all confirmed cases were reported from just five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (15%), and Ebonyi (3%).
As of now, 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever, spread across 96 Local Government Areas.
The agency identified late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and high cost of treatment as some of the challenges fueling the outbreak.
Additionally, inadequate sanitation and low awareness in affected communities have also contributed to the spread of the disease.
To curb the spread and reduce deaths, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System and deployed 10 Rapid Response Teams to states with the highest burden.
The agency has also launched various response measures, including training of health workers on case management, community sensitization campaigns, environmental response interventions, and media outreach in collaboration with stakeholders.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to maintain high hygiene standards, seek medical attention early when symptomatic, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, known vectors of the disease.
“We urge Nigerians to maintain high hygiene standards, seek medical attention early when symptomatic, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, known vectors of the disease,” the agency advised.
