Lassa fever claimed 152 lives in Nigeria in 28 weeks – NCDC

Lassa fever has claimed 152 deaths in the first 28 weeks of this year in Nigeria.

According to a report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), this marks a higher case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent, compared to 17.3 per cent within the same period in 2024.

The report released, unveiled yesterday in Abuja by the NCDC via its official website, said the nation had recorded 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections so far.

The public health agency explained that these span 21 states and 105 local government areas, with the highest burden concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states

“We are witnessing a slight decline in the total number of confirmed cases, compared to 2024, but the fatality rate has increased,” it said.

NCDC also indicated possible late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour, and limited access to early treatment as contributing factors.

The agency noted that in epidemiological week 28 alone, 11 new confirmed cases and one death were recorded, with reported infections from Ondo, Edo, and Benue states.

The agency said no healthcare workers were affected during the week.

It added that individuals aged between 21 and 30 years remained the most affected age group, with a nearly equal male-to-female distribution of cases.

In response to the ongoing outbreak, the agency and its partners have intensified interventions in high-burden areas.

“Ten National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected states using a One Health approach.

“INTEGRATE Clinical Trials have commenced in Ondo state to support improved case management.

“Healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states have received targeted training to strengthen clinical response,” it said.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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