The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 832 cases of Lassa fever and Mpox combined, along with 1,307 suspected cases of cholera, resulting in a total of 169 deaths across the country so far in 2025.

This was disclosed by the NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, during a national health security briefing held in Abuja on Friday, where he emphasized that the agency remains committed to its role of safeguarding public health by ensuring the timely dissemination of accurate and transparent health information.

Idris said the NCDC, in conjunction with State Health Ministries and development partners, continues to maintain a close watch over infectious disease trends through its surveillance systems while supporting affected areas with appropriate interventions.

?As of epidemiological week 16, Nigeria has recorded 4,253 suspected cases of Lassa fever, out of which 696 were confirmed, and 132 deaths reported, indicating a case fatality rate of 19%,? he said.

He noted a recent reduction in Lassa fever cases, citing improvements attributed to sustained surveillance, community outreach, and clinical response.

However, he warned that the disease remains a threat, particularly in areas where it is endemic.

On Mpox, the NCDC chief revealed that 723 suspected cases had been recorded between January and mid-April, with 136 confirmed across 27 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The death toll from Mpox, according to him, stands at three, involving patients with underlying health conditions, including HIV and tuberculosis.

?The pattern of Mpox infections indicates persistent transmission across the country, with confirmed cases largely concentrated in the southern and central regions,? he said, adding that the virus has affected people from various professions, students, traders, civil servants, and healthcare workers underscoring the risk of both community and hospital-acquired infections.

On Mpox fatalities, Idris confirmed that a national mortality review is underway to determine gaps in care and identify lessons for future response.

On cholera, Idris reported 1,307 suspected cases spanning 30 States and 98 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with 34 related deaths, putting the case fatality rate at 2.6%, which is higher than the WHO target of below 1%.

He highlighted that cholera outbreaks are more common in communities lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation, warning, ?As we approach the rainy season, the potential for cholera transmission is increasing?.

The DG also addressed the status of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), reporting a decline in new cases and deaths over the past three weeks.

He attributed the progress to ongoing containment strategies, including improved surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and increased community trust in healthcare systems.

He said the response to the outbreaks has been reinforced through a multi-level strategy led by the agency?s Emergency Operations Centre, which coordinates weekly reviews with states classified as outbreak hotspots.

?National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to these high-burden areas to strengthen the capacity of local responders.

?Supplies such as essential medicines, personal protective equipment, IV fluids, and laboratory materials have also been prepositioned in anticipation of case surges,? he added.

The DG noted that five laboratories dedicated to Mpox testing have been upgraded across Bauchi, Kano, Cross River, Rivers, and Enugu states, to boost diagnostic capacity while training and mentorship are also being provided to healthcare workers to enhance case management and sample handling.

?Our health workers are receiving focused training on infection control, CSM case management, and procedures such as lumbar puncture, which is crucial in diagnosing meningitis,? he added.

He said public sensitisation has also been intensified through radio jingles, social behaviour change campaigns, and media engagement to reduce stigma and encourage early case reporting.

According to him, the NCDC is also collaborating with state health teams to adjust messages in real time based on community feedback and local outbreak dynamics.

?These comprehensive efforts are aimed at not only managing current outbreaks but also building long-term resilience in Nigeria?s public health system,? he stated.

While reassuring the public of the agency?s readiness to maintain proactive measures, Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to adopt good personal hygiene, ensure clean environments, and take preventive actions against infections.

He also called on healthcare providers to promptly report suspected cases and adhere strictly to outbreak and infection prevention protocols.

The DG, however, encouraged State governments to strengthen water and sanitation infrastructure, which he described as a ?crucial frontline defence against outbreaks like cholera.? (The Nation)

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