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  • NCDC reports rise in Lassa fever cases across four states, death toll hits 142

    NCDC reports rise in Lassa fever cases across four states, death toll hits 142

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in Lassa fever infections during epidemiological week 22 (May 26–June 1, 2025), with eight new confirmed cases recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states, up from six cases reported the previous week.

    According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, a total of 142 deaths have been recorded so far in 2025, translating to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.0%, slightly higher than the 18.1% reported during the same period in 2024. The trend underscores a continued severity in disease outcomes.

    As of week 22, Lassa fever has been confirmed in 96 Local Government Areas across 18 states. However, the majority—91%—of confirmed cases are concentrated in just five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining 9% of cases were spread across 13 other states.

    Demographic data shows that the most affected age group is 21–30 years, with a broader age range spanning from 1 to 96 years. The median age of infected individuals is 30, and the male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

    Despite the recent weekly uptick, the NCDC noted a general year-on-year decline in both suspected and confirmed cases when compared to the same period in 2024.

    Meanwhile, the report showed no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded in week 22, though the cumulative number of affected health workers remains at 28.

    Read Also: Lassa fever, meningitis kill 366 in 24 states – NCDC

    State-by-State breakdown indicated that Ondo State remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with the highest number of both suspected and confirmed cases.

    In week 22 alone, it recorded 83 suspected cases and 3 confirmed, while cumulatively, Ondo reported 1,770 suspected and 229 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year.

    The report also showed that Bauchi followed as the second most affected state, with 12 suspected and one confirmed cases reported in the current week.

    Overall, the agency stated that Bauchi logged 844 suspected cases and 14 confirmed cases. Edo State comes next, with 55 suspected and one confirmed cases in week 22, and cumulative figures of 1,607 suspected and 122 confirmed.

    NCDC, also noted that there was a discrepancy in the data for Taraba State, which was reported to have 31 suspected cases in the week, though other sources suggest it may have had 116 confirmed cases, pointing to a possible reporting error.

    Ebonyi State, meanwhile, reported 238 suspected and 21 confirmed cases in week 22 alone.

    Altogether, the NCDC highlighted that Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba States accounted for 72% of all confirmed cases so far in 2025.

    The cumulative CFR for the year, according to NCDC stands at 19.2%, reinforcing the deadly nature of the outbreak, adding that among the confirmed deaths, 28 occurred in week 22 alone.

    In response to the continued spread of the disease, the NCDC announced that it had already activated its multi-partner, multi-sectoral National Lassa Fever Incident Management System (IMS).

    The emergency coordination framework, Tue agency assured, is working to streamline the country’s response across federal, state, and local levels.

    The agency cautioned the public on the need for sustained vigilance, improved disease surveillance, and strengthened response capacity, particularly in high-burden states like Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, in addition to enhanced resource mobilization and public health interventions to contain the outbreak and reduce fatalities.

  • North central ambassadors applaud Tinubu over Tsenyil’s appointment as MD of NCDC 

    North central ambassadors applaud Tinubu over Tsenyil’s appointment as MD of NCDC 

    The North Central Good Governance Ambassadors have described the appointment of Mr. Cyril Tsenyil as the pioneer managing director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) as a masterstroke by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a turning point for the future of the zone.

    In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Moses Audu, the group expressed deep appreciation to the president for what it called a clear demonstration of vision, leadership, and genuine commitment to inclusive development.

    According to the them, the North Central region, long overlooked in the national development structure, has now been given a capable hand and a credible institution to respond directly to the unique social and infrastructural challenges facing its people.

    “President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Mr. Cyril Tsenyil is not only wise — it is strategic. He has entrusted the future of our region to a man of proven competence, character, and commitment. Mr. Tsenyil understands the issues on the ground. He has the administrative discipline and the visionary thinking required to build lasting solutions,” Audu said. 

    The group described Tsenyil as a refined technocrat with a distinguished record in project implementation, policy design, and grassroots engagement. 

    “This is a man who has spent his career turning ideas into impact — not just behind a desk, but out in the field, where it matters,” Audu announced.

    Highlighting the significance of the newly created NCDC, the Ambassadors noted that for years the North Central zone had lacked a tailored mechanism for federal intervention. 

    “With the Commission now in place and Tsenyil at the helm, the region is finally positioned to close its development gap and claim its rightful place in Nigeria’s future,” Audu added.

    “We are confident that under Mr. Tsenyil’s leadership, the Commission will not just be another agency. It will be a catalyst for real change.

    “From infrastructure to youth empowerment, agricultural revitalization to security collaboration, he understands the full spectrum of the task at hand. And we are convinced he will deliver with excellence.”

    The group urged stakeholders in the North Central geopolitical zone — including state governments, traditional leaders, community groups, and youth associations — to rally around the new MD and support the Commission’s vision. 

    They also commended President Tinubu for his bold, inclusive approach to governance, particularly in listening to the long-standing advocacy for a commission dedicated to the North Central zone. 

    Read Also: Lassa fever, meningitis kill 366 in 24 states – NCDC

    “This is a president who has listened, responded, and acted. He has given the region a new institutional voice, and more importantly, a credible leader to drive the work,” the statement read.

    The Ambassadors pledged to work alongside the Commission to promote transparency, community involvement, and sustainability. 

    “We will be constructive partners. We will engage, monitor, and celebrate successes. We are not here to criticise — we are here to build, together,” Audu declared.

    “The expectations are high — and rightly so. But with unity of purpose and a leader like Cyril Tsenyil, we are confident that this Commission will not disappoint. He has the temperament, the integrity, and the clarity of vision to succeed.”

    They also urged the Federal Government to provide the NCDC with the resources and autonomy required to deliver transformative impact. 

    “The NCDC must be adequately empowered both administratively and financially to deliver on its mandate. Every support given to the NDDC and NEDC must be replicated here. With Mr. Tsenyil in charge, we are confident of judicious use of resources and people-centered outcomes,” Audu emphasized.

    They assured Tsenyil of their support and confidence in his capacity to deliver on the lofty aspirations of the North Central people.

  • Lassa fever, meningitis kill 366 in 24 states – NCDC

    Lassa fever, meningitis kill 366 in 24 states – NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 366 deaths from Lassa fever and meningitis in 24 states of the federation.

    The NCDC via its official website on Friday, highlighted the continued public health challenge posed by these diseases.

    From Jan. 1 to May 18, the centre confirmed 733 cases of Lassa fever from 5,118 suspected infections across 18 states and 95 local government areas.

    Within the same period, it said it recorded 141 Lassa fever-related deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 19.2 per cent.

    The NCDC said that in week 20 alone, new infections jumped from three to 13 cases in Edo, Ondo, and Benue.

    “The case fatality rate stands at 19.2 per cent slightly higher than 18.3 per cent in 2024, indicating that one in five people infected is dying, inspite of  coordinated national efforts,” the NCDC warned.

    It said that the hotspot states for Lassa fever include Ondo 30 per cent Bauchi (25%), and Edo 17 per cent which together account for 72 per cent of all confirmed cases.

    The centre said that the disease was hitting young adults hardest, particularly those aged 21 to 30 years, with a nearly equal male-to-female ratio.

    It noted that no new healthcare worker infections were reported in the past week, but highlighted a surge in cases and called for heightened vigilance.

    Read Also: Akpabio constitutes standing committees for SSDC, SEDC, NWDC, SWDC, NCDC

    The agency said that a multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts nationwide.

    On the meningitis front, the centre said the figures were even more alarming.

    The NCDC said that from 2,911 suspected cases, 192 have been confirmed and 225 lives lost, translating to a case fatality rate of 7.7 per cent.

    The agency said that children aged five to 14 were the most affected, with males accounting for 60 per cent of all reported infections.

    It said that the outbreak has reached 24 states and 173 LGAs, with 10 northern states—including Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Jigawa—reporting 97 per cent of suspected cases.

    In response, the NCDC has activated a national Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate interventions in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and development partners.

    It said that regular high-level meetings with affected states were ongoing to streamline containment strategies.

    “We are providing continuous technical support to high-burden states and reinforcing outbreak preparedness across the country,” the NCDC said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.

    It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment.

    Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.

    (NAN) 

  • Reps seek mandatory diphtheria immunisation in 774 LGAs

    Reps seek mandatory diphtheria immunisation in 774 LGAs

    The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Health Care Development Agency to enforce the mandatory diphtheria immunisation, testing, and treatment across healthcare centres in all 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

    The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to raise public awareness through sensitisation campaigns regarding the dangers, symptoms, and transmission modes of diphtheria to prevent further spread and fatalities.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, the House directed its committee on Health and Health Institutions to assess the level of compliance with the mandatory Diphtheria immunisation and the capacity of health institutions to effectively respond to the current threat of diphtheria spread across the country.

    Laori described Diphtheria as a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species, which has become a critical public health issue since the first outbreak in Borno State in 2011 claimed 21 lives, adding that the current resurgence poses significant threats to Nigeria’s already overburdened public health system.

    According to him, diphtheria, which affects the nose, throat, skin, and, in severe cases, the heart, is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated objects, and crowded, unsanitary environments, making its spread particularly rapid among children and those with compromised immune systems in crowded communities.

    He said diphtheria thrives in Africa due to low vaccination rates while remaining virtually absent in countries like the United States of America and Europe, where vaccination coverage is high and primarily threatens unvaccinated individuals who travel internationally or come into contact with infected persons.

    He disclosed that nations such as Niger, Gabon, and Mauritania have reported outbreaks with only a handful of confirmed deaths due to effective vaccination coverage, early detection, laboratory confirmation, and the availability of antitoxins and antibiotics for treatment.

    Read Also: Reps consider inter-varsity centres as beneficiaries of TETFund’s financial support

    He maintains that, in stark contrast, Nigeria’s statistics paint a dire picture, with thousands of reported cases and associated deaths due to the low or absence of vaccination.

    He said from May 2022 to February 2025, Nigeria has reported 41,978 suspected cases of diphtheria from Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, with Kano and Yobe States accounting for the highest numbers- 24,062 and 5330, respectively. Most cases were children aged 1-14, and only 19.7% were fully vaccinated, resulting in 1,279 deaths within this period.

    He expressed concern that if nothing is done, the high case fatality rate could worsen and spread outside of the states already impacted, underscoring the urgency of improving on the low vaccination rates, ineffective antitoxins and treatments, and delays in clinical detection and test confirmation that fuel this outbreak. 

  • Niger protests NCDC appointments, demands fair representation

    Niger protests NCDC appointments, demands fair representation

    A senior stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki (Santurakin Nupe), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address what he described as a lopsided and politically insensitive composition of the leadership of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

    In a statement released on Saturday, Santuraki, who serves as Secretary-General of the Niger-South Senior Stakeholders’ Forum (NSSF), expressed deep dissatisfaction with the list of appointees to the commission, which he said disproportionately favours certain states at the expense of others.

    He noted that despite Niger State’s overwhelming support for the APC in the 2023 general elections and its initial push for the location of the commission’s headquarters, the state was sidelined in the appointment of the NCDC’s top two leadership positions—Chairman and Managing Director.

    “While Niger State has been allocated one Non-Executive Director and one Executive Director position, this falls far short of what the state justly deserves,” Santuraki stated. “Our concern is rooted in two key realities: the political and electoral support Niger State gave to this administration, and our earlier concession on the commission’s headquarters.”

    According to him, Niger State delivered over 375,000 votes—the highest in the North Central zone—during the last presidential election, in addition to winning two out of three senatorial seats, 70% of House of Representatives seats, and electing an APC governor.

    Read Also: World Hand Hygiene Day: NCDC, public health experts call for clean hands, clean habits

    He further recalled that Niger State had initially vied for the siting of the NCDC headquarters but stepped aside in favour of Nasarawa State in the spirit of regional unity and cooperation. “Our expectation was clear: that this goodwill would be acknowledged by the appointment of a Niger indigene to at least one of the commission’s two top positions. Sadly, that has not happened,” he lamented.

    Santuraki described the current composition as not only unjust but also detrimental to the region’s ethno-cultural and political balance. He pointed out that the North Central region is generally grouped into two blocs: the Benue-Plateau-Nasarawa axis and the Niger-Kogi-Kwara-FCT axis. With both principal positions currently going to the former, he argued that the latter bloc has been effectively excluded.

    He appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and ensure equity in the leadership structure of the NCDC.

    “Niger State has earned its place through loyalty, sacrifice, and contribution. We seek not favour, but fairness,” Santuraki said.

  • NCDC reports 169 deaths from Lassa Fever, Mpox, Cholera in 2025

    NCDC reports 169 deaths from Lassa Fever, Mpox, Cholera in 2025

    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.

    Read Also: NCDC Report: Diphtheria killed over 1,300 in three years

    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.”

  • Rising meningitis cases worrisome, says NCDC

    Rising meningitis cases worrisome, says NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the increasing number of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases across the country, saying its peak season is between November and May.

    The latest figures indicate a surge in infections, with 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths reported across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as of March 26.

    NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

    Idris said the agency has activated emergency response measures to curb the outbreak, particularly in Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto—the most affected states.

    “We are in the peak meningitis season, and the risk of transmission is high due to dry, dusty weather and overcrowding.

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    “The government is intensifying vaccination efforts, but public awareness and early detection remain crucial in preventing fatalities,” he said.

    According to him, in Kebbi State, health authorities have confirmed 248 suspected cases and 26 deaths since late January.

    He described the situation as alarming. “We are experiencing a sharp increase in cases, and urgent intervention is required to prevent more deaths.

    “In Gombe State, 70 suspected cases have been recorded, with 31 confirmed infections and three fatalities.

    “Residents should seek medical attention immediately.

    “Meningitis is a deadly but preventable disease. Anyone experiencing high fever, stiff neck, or severe headaches should visit a health facility without delay,” he said.

  • Diphtheria claims over 1,300 lives in three years – NCDC

    Diphtheria claims over 1,300 lives in three years – NCDC

    Between April 2022 and March 9, 2025, diphtheria has claimed 1,319 lives across the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has stated in its latest situation report.

    The report, which covered week 19 of 2022 through week 10 of 2025, showed that out of 42,642 suspected cases recorded in 36 States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and 350 Local Government Areas (LGAs), 25,812 have been confirmed through laboratory testing, epidemiological linkage, or clinical compatibility.

    However, in Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025, a total of 23 suspected cases were reported across two States, with Lagos accounting for 20 cases and Katsina recording three cases, identified in two LGAs.

    Among the 23 suspected cases, none were confirmed through laboratory testing, epidemiological linkage, or clinical compatibility.

    Additionally, no cases were officially discarded, while out of the total suspected cases, 10 remain pending classification, while the status of 13 cases is currently unknown.

    No confirmed cases were reported during the week under review, and there were no recorded deaths, maintaining a case fatality rate of 0%.

    However, in the cumulative period under review, the majority of suspected cases were concentrated in Kano State that reported 24,239 suspected cases, followed by Yobe with 5,330, Katsina with 4,237, Bauchi with 3,066, Borno with 3,058, Kaduna with 777, and Jigawa with 364.

    The seven States accounted for 96.3% of the total suspected cases while confirmed cases span 184 LGAs in 26 States, with Kano leading at 18,108 cases.

    Other States with notable figures include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408), Katsina (1,501), and Borno (1,161).

    Additional confirmed cases were reported in Plateau (119), Jigawa (53), Kaduna (44), Sokoto (31), Zamfara (21), and the FCT (15).

    Smaller numbers were recorded in Lagos, Gombe, Edo, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Osun, Abia, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba, Cross-River, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, and Ogun.

    The report also stated that children between one and 14 years of age make up 16,234 of the confirmed cases, or 62.9% of the total, while only 4,981 confirmed cases (19.3%) had received the diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

    The fatality distribution shows that Kano accounted for 850 deaths, with Katsina (114), Yobe (109), Bauchi (104), and Borno (68) also reporting significant numbers.

    Additional fatalities occurred in Plateau (29), Kaduna (11), Jigawa (7), the Federal Capital Territory (7), Lagos (6), Sokoto (5), Adamawa (4), Edo (2), Gombe (1), Nasarawa (1), Osun (1), and Ekiti (1).

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    The NCDC report highlighted several challenges during the outbreak response, notably, test positivity rates that have been very low, with all cases in 2024 confirmed solely through clinical compatibility due to shortages of reagents and consumables necessary for direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on clinical samples.

    In response, the NCDC said it has provided extensive technical and offsite support to state authorities, focusing on improved case identification, reporting, and response efforts, especially in areas with low case reporting.

    It also noted that it has not ceased to build on efforts to continue to harmonize data between laboratory and case management teams, enhance case follow-up at designated treatment centers, and supervise state-level risk communication and community engagement activities.

    The agency said it is also expanding its use of social media, utilizing comics and survivor interview videos to raise public awareness, while whole-genome sequencing is being used to analyze confirmed isolates.

    In addition, it said it is working to optimize PCR protocols for direct testing on clinical samples and build capacity for the laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria.

    This, according to the agency includes supplying more reagents and consumables to testing sites, ensuring that diagnostic efforts are both timely and accurate.

    The comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the national response to diphtheria, reduce the spread of the disease, and ultimately lower the number of deaths, the agency said.

  • Lassa fever claims 95 lives in February, says NCDC

    Lassa fever claims 95 lives in February, says NCDC

    Lassa fever has claimed 95 lives out of 506 people who were confirmed to have contracted the disease as of February 23, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.

    In its week eight situation report, the agency noted that a total of 2,492 suspected cases were recorded, including one additional healthcare worker infected during the review period, which brings the total number of affected healthcare workers to four since January 2025.

    It, however, said the number of suspected cases has declined compared to the same period in 2024.

    Lassa fever, which is more prevalent during Nigeria’s dry season, is a zoonotic viral infection primarily transmitted by the common African rat, scientifically known as the Mastomys species. 

    According to the NCDC’s week eight situation report, the virus has been detected in 12 states and 70 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 18.8%. 

    The confirmed cases were reported across several States: Ondo (160), Bauchi (122), Edo (88), Taraba (80), Ebonyi (15), Kogi (14), Gombe (11), Plateau (7), Benue (5), Nasarawa (2), Delta (1), and Cross River (1). 

    The report indicated a rise in new confirmed cases from 38 in week seven to 54 in week eight, with infections documented in Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states. 

    A total of 95 fatalities have been recorded in 2025, maintaining an 18.8% CFR, the same rate observed in 2024. 

    Read Also: 80 deaths from Lassa fever recorded in 11 states, says NCDC

    The data also highlighted that 73% of confirmed cases originated from three states: Ondo (32%), Bauchi (24%), and Edo (17%) while the remaining 27% were reported across nine other States. 

    The most affected age group is 21-30 years, with cases ranging from one to 94 years old. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8. 

    The NCDC, however, reaffirmed that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains active to coordinate response efforts at all levels.

    The agency identified several factors contributing to the spread of Lassa fever, including poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities, delayed case presentation leading to a higher fatality rate, limited healthcare access due to the high cost of treatment, and low public awareness.

    It urged the public to prioritize personal and environmental hygiene to help curb the disease’s transmission.

  • Ebola virus: NCDC cautions limited travel to Uganda, other affected regions

    Ebola virus: NCDC cautions limited travel to Uganda, other affected regions

    Nigerians have been advised to avoid all but essential travel to Uganda and other countries with confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases. 

    This came after Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak of the Sudan strain of Ebola Virus Disease on January 30, 2025, in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City. 

    So far, one case has been recorded, resulting in one death, with 44 contacts currently under surveillance.

    The Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Jide Idris said, while Nigeria has no recorded cases, the agency is reinforcing surveillance at entry points, updating emergency response plans, and expanding diagnostic capacity in key laboratories.  

    In his travel advisory on Sunday, the DG noted that while the World Health Organization (WHO) has not imposed travel restrictions on Uganda, anyone returning from affected areas within the last 21 days who develops fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding should immediately call 6232 or their State Health hotline for assessment.

    In addition, he said such travelers should self-isolate and await response teams for further evaluation and possible transport to a treatment center.  

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    He said the public health advisory becomes necessary because EVD has a 25-90% fatality rate and spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, and wild animals like bats, chimpanzees, and monkeys. 

    Besides, the DG stressed that while vaccines exist for some strains of the Ebola virus, the approved vaccine for the Zaire strain is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan strain responsible for the outbreak in Uganda.

    Given this, he urged Nigerians to practice good hygiene, avoid bushmeat, and report symptoms immediately to prevent potential outbreaks.

    He also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, enforce strict isolation for suspected cases, adhere to infection control protocols, and report immediately to health authorities. 

    The DG, however, assured that NCDC will continue to enhance surveillance, expand diagnostic capacity, and coordinate with global health organizations.