NCDC Confirms Nine New Lassa Fever Cases, Urges States to Boost Community Participation

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged state governments to strengthen year-round community engagement in the fight against Lassa fever, following a rise in confirmed cases.

In its latest situation report for epidemiological week 31, the agency confirmed nine new infections in Ondo, Edo, and Taraba States, up from three the previous week. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in 2025 to 836 across 21 states and 105 local government areas, with 156 recorded deaths. The case fatality rate now stands at 18.7%, higher than the 17.3% recorded in the same period in 2024.

Five states account for 90% of all confirmed cases: Ondo (33%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%). The most affected age group is 21–30 years, and men are more likely than women to be infected. No new cases among healthcare workers were reported in the past week.

The NCDC highlighted challenges such as delayed case presentation, poor health-seeking behavior due to high treatment costs, and unsanitary conditions in high-burden communities. In response, the agency has deployed rapid response teams, launched training and fellowship programs, and supplied affected states with ribavirin, PPE, and thermometers.

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, is primarily spread through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats, but can also be transmitted via human fluids, contaminated items, or medical equipment. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding. The NCDC urged the public to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek prompt medical care.