The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a slight decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases, with seven new cases recorded in epidemiological week 40, down from nine in the previous week.
In its latest ‘Lassa Fever Situation Report,’ the NCDC noted that the cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states. Since the start of 2024, 1,025 confirmed cases have been reported across 28 states, resulting in 174 deaths, leaving the case fatality rate (CFR) at 17 per cent, similar to last year’s figure.
The report highlighted that Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states remain the most affected, with Ondo leading at 28 per cent, followed by Edo at 23 percent and Bauchi at 17 per cent of confirmed cases.
Despite ongoing efforts by the NCDC and other stakeholders, challenges such as late presentation of cases and poor health-seeking behavior continue to affect the response. The agency emphasised early detection and urged communities to seek medical care promptly.
Lassa fever, known for symptoms like fever, headache and, in severe cases, bleeding, poses a growing risk as climate change increases its spread. The NCDC continues to urge the public to prioritise hygiene and avoid contact with rodents to prevent further outbreaks.
