By ABUJAH RACHEAL

Nigeria has reported 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 155 deaths so far in 2025, according to the latest situation report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

This brings the country’s case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.9 per cent, a notable rise from the 17.1 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.

The NCDC’s report, released on Wednesday, covered Epidemiological Week 29 (July 14–20, 2025).

During the reporting week, 120 suspected cases were documented, with 11 new confirmed infections recorded in Ondo and Edo states, alongside three additional deaths.

The CFR for Week 29 alone stood at 27.3 per cent, signaling an urgent need for early detection and timely medical intervention.

“Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities continue to drive high mortality,” the NCDC said.

It said so far In 2025, at least 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas had reported one or more confirmed cases.

The agency said five states, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, accounted for 89 per cent of all confirmed cases, with Ondo State alone contributing 32 per cent.

The NCDC said the disease was disproportionately affecting young adults, particularly those aged 21–30, and slightly more men than women, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

It said in spite of the growing toll, the NCDC said it had taken several proactive measures.

“These include deploying 10 Rapid Response Teams to affected states, training and sensitising healthcare workers, and distributing essential medical supplies such as Ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand sanitisers.”

According to the agency, community awareness campaigns have been intensified in hotspot areas like Edo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states.

The NCDC also confirmed that no new infections were recorded among healthcare workers during the week, although 23 health workers have been infected since January.

In addition, the agency said it had finalised a Lassa Fever Advocacy Toolkit, conducted readiness assessments, and was set to launch the 2025–2029 Lassa Fever Strategic Plan to improve long-term preparedness and response.

With the rainy season, known to promote rodent activity and virus transmission, still ongoing, the NCDC had urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.

“We must emphasise rodent control, environmental sanitation, and early hospital visits at the first sign of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding,” it advised.

The agency also warned against misinformation and called for continued media and community engagement to promote prevention and save lives.

“The public is encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and use the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” the statement added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.

It can also spread from person to person via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected medical equipment.

Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings. (NAN)