The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the country recorded a total of 747 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 142 deaths across 18 states.
This is according to the Lassa Fever Situation Report released by the NCDC on Thursday.
The report showed that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stood at 19.0%, slightly higher than the same period in 2024. Also, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 6 in epidemiological week 21 to 8 in week 22, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states reporting new cases.
It further highlights that 91% of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%).
The predominant age group affected was 21–30 years, with a median age of 30 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
The NCDC informed that while the number of suspected and confirmed case decreased compared to the same period in 2024, the agency remains vigilant and continues to coordinate response activities through its national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS).
The report also emphasised the importance of continued support for affected states and communities, as well as the need for sustained public awareness and education on Lassa fever prevention and control.
The Agency therefore urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Lassa fever, particularly in high-risk areas.
According to the Lassa Fever Situation Report, the agency conducted various activities to control and manage the outbreak.
“We have conducted a Lassa fever risk dynamic assessment and integrated Lassa fever key messages into other VHF’s risk communication strategies. We have also launched the NCDC’s IPC e-learning platform, powered by DRASA and funded by the Global Fund”, the report stated.
The NCDC further disclosed that it deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams to 10 states to support on-site control and management efforts using a One Health approach. The agency also printed and disseminated copies of IPC Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) guidelines to health facilities with support from the Robert Koch Institute.
“We have supported State IPC structures, the Orange Network, and treatment centres to enforce standard precautions to reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) in high-burden LGAs and states,” the report adds.
The NCDC has also conducted a series of webinars on Lassa fever clinical management, and has partnered with Georgetown University and other organisations to support its response efforts.
“We have treated confirmed cases at identified treatment centres across the states and the FCT, and have trained healthcare workers on case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states with the support of WHO,” the report states.
The agency has also forecast and quantified Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) for Lassa fever, and distributed response commodities such as PPEs, Ribavirin, and body bags to states and treatment centres.
The NCDC has emphasised the importance of continued support for affected states and communities, as well as the need for sustained public awareness and education on Lassa fever prevention and control.
“We will continue to enhance surveillance, conduct contact tracing and active case finding, and provide support to affected states and communities,” NCDC said.
