Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in new confirmed Lassa fever cases in its Epidemiological Week 9 2025 report.
According to the report, 29 new cases were confirmed across nine states, a drop from 54 cases recorded in the previous week. However, the fatality rate remains alarmingly high at 18.7 per cent, with 100 deaths recorded so far in 2025.
The NCDC highlighted that 72 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from just three states—Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo. These states continue to bear the brunt of the outbreak, raising concerns over the effectiveness of ongoing containment efforts.
Furthermore, the agency noted that one new healthcare worker was infected in Week 9, bringing the total number of affected health workers in 2025 to 17.
“This underscores the urgent need for better protective measures, adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs), and enhanced infection prevention protocols in hospitals,” the NCDC said.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue states to provide technical support. The agency has also intensified risk communication efforts and conducted training for healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states.
The NCDC continues to advise Nigerians to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, store food properly to prevent contamination, and seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding.
