Health

Lassa Fever Claims 22 Lives, 143 Confirmed Cases Across Seven States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 22 deaths and 143 confirmed cases of Lassa fever from 484 suspected cases between December 30, 2024, and January 12, 2025.

The fatalities occurred in Ondo (6), Edo (5), Taraba (6), Bauchi (2), Ebonyi (2), and Gombe (1), resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 15.4%, slightly lower than the 16.4% recorded during the same period in 2024.

Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 77% of confirmed cases, with Ondo alone contributing 38%. The remaining cases were reported in Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, and Ebonyi states.

The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years, with a median age of 32 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.7 among confirmed cases.

The NCDC noted an increase in confirmed cases in the second epidemiological week of 2025, rising from 54 in the first week to 89. Affected states include Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kogi, and Ebonyi, with cases spread across 32 local government areas.

To coordinate response efforts, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System.

While the number of suspected cases has decreased compared to the same period last year, the second reporting week saw the infection of one healthcare worker, further emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures.

Kindly share this story:
Kindly share this story:
Share on whatsapp
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on telegram
Share on facebook
Top News

Related Articles