By Uzair Adam
Nigeria has recorded a surge in Lassa fever cases, with 11 new infections confirmed in the 23rd week of 2025, raising the total death toll this year to 143.
The latest cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The Daily Reality gathered that tne healthcare worker was among those newly infected.In its latest situation report, the NCDC disclosed that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now stands at 18.9 percent—higher than the 17.8 percent recorded during the same period last year.
The Centre described this as worrying, noting it reflects a greater proportion of deaths among confirmed cases.
So far, 18 states have reported at least one confirmed case across 96 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states accounting for 90 percent of all infections.
Ondo alone contributes 31 percent of the total.Most of the affected individuals are between 21 and 30 years old, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Despite a general decline in cases compared to 2024, the infection of a healthcare worker highlights ongoing risks.
To address the outbreak, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System.
This includes enhanced surveillance, training for clinicians in hotspot areas, and integration of Lassa fever messaging into broader public health communication.
The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, stressed the importance of early presentation at health facilities.
“Late presentation remains a major challenge, contributing to the high fatality rate. Nigerians should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear,” he urged.
Response efforts include distributing personal protective equipment, Ribavirin, and hygiene materials to affected states and treatment centres.
Healthcare workers have also been trained in case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue States with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, challenges persist. These include low awareness in high-burden communities, inadequate sanitation, poor health-seeking behaviour, and the high cost of treatment.
The NCDC is continuing public awareness campaigns, community sensitisation, and collaboration with both local and international partners to strengthen disease prevention, surveillance, and treatment.
Nigerians are advised to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and support community-led efforts to improve sanitation.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to a coordinated national response aimed at containing the disease.