The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over a sharp increase in Lassa fever cases and fatalities in the last four weeks, signaling a severe outbreak.
During a news briefing held in Abuja on Monday, the Director-General of NCDC disclosed that one thousand, one hundred and fifty-four confirmed cases, and one hundred and ninety-seven deaths have been recorded.
Six states Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi account for 89% of these cases, highlighting the outbreak’s concentration in specific regions.
The agency also reported a persistently high case fatality rate of over 13%, coupled with a rise in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.
The Director-General noted that these trends require an urgent, coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations, reduce transmission, and prevent further fatalities.
Lassa fever, a viral disease primarily transmitted through contact with rodent excreta, remains endemic in Nigeria.
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It poses a significant public health threat across all states and occurs year-round, with peak transmission typically between October and May.
The NCDC is urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts in response to this alarming trend to safeguard public health and minimize the impact of the outbreak.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
