National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases for the fourth epidemiological week of 2025.
However, the death toll from the disease continues to rise, with 53 fatalities recorded nationwide.
According to the NCDC, 76 confirmed cases were recorded between January 20 and January 26, marking a slight decrease from the 71 cases reported in the previous week.
The cumulative data for 2025 shows a total of 290 confirmed cases and 1,171 suspected cases across 10 states, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent.
The NCDC report highlights that 75 per cent of all confirmed cases are concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo State leading with 37 per cent of the total cases.
The disease has affected 54 Local Government Areas across the country, with the predominant age group being 21 years to 30 years.
Despite the overall decline in new cases, the agency remains concerned about the rising death toll, attributing it to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate control efforts at all levels.
The agency has also trained healthcare workers in case management and equipped Lassa fever treatment centers with essential response commodities.
The NCDC urges Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures, such as maintaining proper hygiene, storing food properly, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms occur.
With Lassa fever being endemic in Nigeria, the agency emphasizes the need for continued awareness and education to prevent the spread of the disease.
