By ABUJAH RACHEAL

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases for Epidemiological Week 3 of 2025.

However, fatalities remain a concern, with 39 deaths recorded so far this year.

The NCDC disclosed this in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report published on Sunday via its official website.

According to the report, confirmed cases fell from 89 in Week 2 to 71 in Week 3, with infections reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Delta, and Kogi states.

Despite the decline in weekly cases, it said that the cumulative number of confirmed cases for 2025 has risen to 214, with an 18.2 per cent Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) ? a slight decrease from 20.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.

The NCDC noted that 77 per cent of confirmed cases originated from three states: Ondo (38 per cent), Edo (22 per cent) Bauchi (17 per cent)

The most affected age group, the agency said, was 21-30 years, with cases ranging from ages three to 94.

It said that no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week.

The agency further revealed that 10 states and 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have recorded at least one confirmed case this year, compared to 17 states and 54 LGAs in 2024.

To curb the outbreak, the NCDC activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System and deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected areas.

Other key interventions, it said included:? Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing, with 109 contacts under follow-up

?Training of healthcare workers on case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, with plans for Plateau and Taraba

?Distribution of medical supplies, including PPEs, Ribavirin, body bags, and sanitisers to treatment centres

?Community sensitization efforts in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo states?.

The agency, in collaboration with partners, pledged to strengthen early detection, case management, and risk communication across the country.

Meanwhile, public health experts have warned that increased awareness and improved healthcare preparedness are crucial to reducing the burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, including proper food storage to prevent rodent infestation.

?Good hygiene practices, seeking medical attention at designated treatment centers if symptoms arise?.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring almost yearly.

It was first identified in 1969 in Lassa, Borno.

Symptoms range from mild fever and joint pain to severe bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract.

The disease is fatal in about 20 per cent of cases, particularly when treatment is delayed.

Across West Africa, hundreds of thousands are infected annually, experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and, in severe cases, bleeding.

One of the most troubling complications is hearing loss, which affects about 25 per cent of survivors.

The estimated fatality rate is one per cent, but during outbreaks, mortality can rise significantly, particularly among pregnant women and healthcare workers.

In spite its significant health impact, Lassa fever remains one of the most neglected diseases, with limited resources allocated to its prevention and treatment.

Currently, no licenced vaccines exist, although about 20 candidates are in development, with the most advanced in Phase IIa clinical trials. (NAN)

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