News

LASSA Fever: Death Toll Rises to 177

By Web News 350

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday said the Lassa fever death toll in Nigeria has risen to 177.

The latest epidemiological report released by the NCDC stated that as of epidemiological Week 44, 2025, the Case Fatality Rate now stands at 18.3 per cent, up from 16.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.

According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.

WHO said humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.

The UN body noted that Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well.

As of Week 44, ending November 2nd, Nigeria has reported a total of 966 confirmed cases.

In total for 2025, 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 102 Local Government Areas.

It said, “In week 44, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 11 in epi week 43 to 12. These were reported in Ondo, Edo and Benue States.

“Cumulatively, as at week 44, 2025, 177 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (16.5 per cent).

“In total for 2025, 21 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 102 Local Government Areas.”

According to NCDC, 87 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from four states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba), while 13 per cent were reported from 17 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

It noted that of the 87 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 36 per cent, Bauchi 21 per cent, Edo 17 per cent, and Taraba 13 per cent.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 96 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2024. No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 44.“

“The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues supporting coordination of response activities at all levels”, it added.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Health

NCDC Alerts Nigerians as Lassa Fever Kills 162

By Web News 304

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of confirmed Lassa Fever cases have increased significantly resulting in a cumulative 162 deaths in 2024.

The agency also urged the public to adhere to recommended safety protocols and to report any symptoms to local health authorities promptly.

The NCDC said on Saturday via its official website that the country registered 10 cases of Lassa fever cases across four states in one week, spanning 20 to 26 May.

According to reports It is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or persons.

Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, and chest pain. In severe cases, it manifests in unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

The Centre said the number of confirmed Lassa Fever cases rose from 4 in a week to 20 and later 10, in the current reporting week cases had increased to 21.

It pointed that in addition to the rise in confirmed cases, there was an increase in the number of suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.

Cumulatively, it said that the country has recorded 897 confirmed cases and 162 deaths in 2024 with a case fatality rate of 18.1 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.1 per cent).

According to it, 28 states have confirmed, at least, one case across 125 local government areas in 2024.

It noted that 65 per cent of the confirmed cases were recorded from four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Plateau, while 35 per cent were reported from 25 states. Of the 65 per cent, it said that Ondo State accounted for 25 per cent, Edo, 22 per cent, and Bauchi, 18 per cent.

The NCDC said that people between the ages of 31 and 40 were predominantly affected by the disease, stressing that no health worker was infected in the reporting week.

It noted that the surge highlighted the growing concern and the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures across the country.

The NCDC stressed that it was also intensifying its efforts to trace contacts and implement control measures to curb the spread of the disease.

The agency added that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and was working with state health authorities to ensure a coordinated response.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Health

We’ll intensify immunization against child killer disease – Oyo Commissioner

By Web News 699

By Nafiu Busari

Despite claiming many lives and the threats posed by Diphtheria in the Country, Oyo State has not recorded any case of the disease in recent years. 

This was attributed to immense resources and protective measures put in place by the Oyo state government and her development partners. 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Bode Ladipo, stated this in Ibadan at a news conference to declare open the Lassa fever and diphtheria week.

Dr Ladipo explained that Oyo state has had its own share of the challenges posed by Diphtheria and Lassa fever in the Country. 

According to the Commissioner, Oyo state will continue to maintain its diphtheria-free status by ensuring that all eligible children receive routine immunization against it and other killer childhood diseases. 

He urged the residents of the state to take every measure to keep rats away from their homes and ensure proper storage of food. 

Dr Ladipo called on public officials to continue to maintain high standards in public healthcare delivery and the development of sound health policies to promote health. 

In a remark, Oyo State Coordinator, USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung who observed low sensitization on Lassa fever and Diphtheria, promised to embark on an aggressive media campaign against the diseases.

She also revealed that town hall meetings will be organized in the affected local governments in the state and train teachers on how to curtail the spread of the diseases. 

The Oyo state facilitator UNICEF, Mr Tari Akpandara promised improved partnership with the state government to ensure good public health.

 

Health

Diphtheria Infection Hits Kano, Kills 25

By Web News 441

Diphtheria disease outbreak has killed no fewer than 25 persons in Kano.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Aminu Tsanyawa, confirmed the outbreak of the deadly disease.

Symptoms of the killer disease include sore throat, cough, drooling of saliva, change of voice, neck swelling, abnormal breathing, fever or mouth odour, among others.

The commissioner, noted that the state emergency preparedness committee is currently in a meeting with a view to evaluating the casualty figures, reviewing the data and measures to address the situation.

Tsanyawa said presently, the state rapid response team has been reactivated and indexed an action plan to check the spread of the deadly disease in the state.

‘’Right now, we have presented a budget for this to the government and it has been approved,’’ the commissioner told an online newspaper.

He said the low routine immunisation attributed to the spread of the disease is due to the hard-to-be-reached areas in the state.

He noted that, however, the state is strengthening its routine immunization.

Tsanyawa said apart from the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital designated as an isolation centre, other isolation centres would be created to check the spread of disease.

“Although we used Yargaya for COVID-19 isolation, we have set the place aside for the isolation of diphtheria infection also.

“We also have three cases of LASSA Fever in the state now with the index case from Taraba.

“The people should not panic but if they notice any unusual fever, should immediately visit the hospital.

“We are already embarking on sensitisation to educate the populace on the disease,” Tsanyawa said.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Health

NCDC Releases Lassa Fever Infection Report for Week 33

By Web News 508

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, says the number of Lassa fever infections since the beginning of 2022 is 894, with 168 deaths.

The latest situation report released for week 33 by the NCDC also showed that there are 6392 suspected cases of the infection across 101 Local Government Areas in 25 states.

The report showed that of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo (31%), Edo (26%), and Bauchi (13%) states.

The report read in part, “In week 33, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 9 in week 32, 2022 to 5 cases. These were reported from Ondo and Edo States”.

The report noted, “Cumulatively from week 1 to week 33, 2022, 168 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 18.8% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.3%).

 “In total for 2022, 25 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 Local Government Areas.

“Of all confirmed cases, 70% are from Ondo (31%), Edo (26%), and Bauchi (13%) States.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 0 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8“.

“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021”.

“No new Healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 33.”

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever and an acute viral illness, the zoonotic disease has a high morbidity and mortality rate and economic and health security implications.

Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Health

“We’ll Continue To Curtail The Spread Of Lassa Fever” – Oyo Govt

By Web News 685

Oyo State government on Thursday reiterated its continuous efforts at curtailing the spread of the outbreak of Lassa fever since the first case in January 2022.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bode Ladipo, in a statement, available to Journalists in Ibadan on Thursday said that Four (4) health workers were confirmed positive for Lassa fever, while three out of them consisted of two (2) Doctors and another hospital staff died despite all efforts at caring for them by experts.

He explained that the state has recorded Nineteen (19) confirmed cases, noting that resources have been deployed to designated health facilities to forestall the spread of this disease across the State.

Ladipo maintained that the Surveillance activities have been heightened at the grassroots across the State, adding that access to care has been provided to all individuals at risk of this disease.

He enjoined individuals having symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, general body weakness, chest pain, back pain, cough, diarrhea, swollen face, eyes or neck, stomach pain or bleeding from ear, eyes, nose, mouth or any other body openings to report promptly to the nearest health facility or call the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on 08095394000 or 08095863000.

He implored all residents of the State to avoid contact with rats, contaminated of food items by rat feces, urine, and other body fluid while maintaining strict personal and environmental hygiene, noting that the virus causing this disease is transmitted from infected rats to humans or an infected human to other humans.

Ladipo charged all health facilities across the State to maintain a high index of suspicion and report all suspected cases to the LGA or State Health Authorities, adding that the provision of qualitative health care is a joint responsibility of all.

“I am here today to address the unfortunate incidence of the death of health workers of a private health facility in the State from Lassa fever. Four (4) health workers were admitted into the treatment center in the early days of the week. Upon diagnostic investigations, all four (4) were confirmed positive for Lassa fever. Unfortunately, three (3) of them died despite all efforts at caring for them by experts.”

“Oyo State Ministry of Health has continued to make frantic efforts at curtailing the spread of the outbreak of Lassa fever since the first case in January 2022. Nineteen (19) confirmed cases and four (4) deaths have been recorded so far. Surveillance activities have been heightened at the grassroots across the State. Access to care has been provided to all individuals at risk of this disease. Resources have also been deployed to designated health facilities to forestall the spread of this disease across the State.”

“The public is therefore admonished to remain calm while ensuring adherence to strict preventive measures. Individuals having symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, generalized body weakness, chest pain, back pain, cough, diarrhea, swollen face, eyes or neck, stomach pain or bleeding from ear, eyes, nose, mouth, or any other body openings should report promptly to the nearest health facility or call the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on 08095394000 or 08095863000.”

“It is important to note that the virus causing this disease is transmitted from infected rats to humans or an infected human to other humans. The Ministry hereby implores all residents of the State to avoid contact with rats, contaminated food items by rat feces, urine, and other body fluid while maintaining strict personal and environmental hygiene. “

“We implore all health facilities across the State to maintain a high index of suspicion and report all suspected cases to the LGA or State Health Authorities.
Let me at this juncture note that the provision of qualitative health care is a joint responsibility of all. Together we can curb the spread of Lassa fever in Oyo State.”

Adewumi Faniran /PR

Health

Oyo Government Keeps Surveillance On Councils Over Lassa Fever Outbreak

By Web News 723

Oyo State government has called on residents of the state to remain calm over the reported cases of Lassa Fever in Iwajowa Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bode Ladipo, made this known in a statement issued by the ministry and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Ministry was drawn to reported cases of deaths at Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022. The deaths were said to have been associated with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms and some neck swelling.

“This warranted a high-level investigating team led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health to visit the LGA on Thursday, 13th January, 2022 to assess the situation and provide necessary support to abate any further transmission of the illness.

“The team comprised of senior officials of the Ministry, the State Primary Healthcare Board and the World Health Organization (WHO)

“An initial visit to the State General Hospital at Iwere lle revealed the fact that there was an increase in number of cases brought from the Gaa Agbaruru settlement with confirmation of two (2) deaths at the facility. The team was then led to Gaa Agbaruru, a Fulani settlement in Iwere ward of the LGA where victims of the illness came from.

“It was observed that there were cases with symptoms mentioned above but were recuperating. It was also confirmed that there was indeed high degree of contact between the inhabitants, rodents and bats. In addition, the challenge of having potable water was noted.

“Blood samples were taken from the recuperating individuals with sample of water also taken. These samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Haemorrhagic Fever in Abuja for analysis and confirmation”.

Dr Ladipo noted that the state government was doing everything possible to check further spread of the virus.

He said, government had already set up surveillance system across Local governments in the state to abate further transmission of the virus.

According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Health has repositioned doses of antiviral agents for treatment of the reported cases, while personal protective devices have been provided for health workers at Iwere Ile and Iganna.

Dr Ladipo therefore, enjoined the general public to refer similar cases to the nearest government hospitals for free and quality care.

He advised them to also call the following numbers: 09058704101,08025245800 and 08073431342 for prompt medical attention.

Iyabo Adebisi

Yoruba

Ìjọba Àpapọ̀ Ńkọminú L’órí B’áwọn Tóní Àisàn Ọ̀rẹ̀rẹ̀ Se Ń Pọ̀si

By Web News 845

Ìjọba àpapọ̀ tin kọminú bí iye àwọn tóní àisàn iba ọ̀rẹ̀rẹ̀ seń pọ̀si láwọn ìpínlẹ̀ kọ̀kan.

Alákoso fétò ìlera, Dókítà Ọlọrunnibẹ Mamora ló fìdí ọ̀rọ̀ yí múlẹ̀ nílu Abuja pẹ̀lú àtọ́katí pé pẹ̀lú bí àsìkò ẹ̀rùn se ń wọlé dé, wọ́n ti ń fi ìdí ìsẹ̀lẹ̀ àisàn náà múlẹ̀ láwọn ìpínlẹ̀ kọ̀kan nílẹ̀ yí.

Alákoso sàlàyé pé ó lé ní ẹgbẹ̀rún lọ́nà ọgọ́ta àwọn tó ti ní, tí wọ́n sìti se ìtọ́jú fún tí wọ́n  ti móríbọ́ àmọ́ kò dín ní àwọn èyàn ẹgbẹ̀rún méjì tí wọ́n sin gba ìtọ́jú lọ́wọ́ nínú ilé àti nílé wòsàn.

Dókítà Mamora tọ́kasi pé, ẹ̀ka ètò ìlera tẹpẹlẹ mọ́ síse ìtajú ẹni tó ní ìpèníjà lórí ìlera wọn, tó sì fikun pé ìjọba ńtiraka láti ri dájú pé, wọ́n sisẹ́ láti fòpin sí ìtànkálẹ̀ àisàn yí àtàwọn àrùn miràn, tó ń dún koko mọ́ ìlera àwọn èyàn nílẹ̀ Nàijírìa.

Aminat Ajibikẹ/Ọlọlade Afọnja

Health

Lassa fever: Strict Adherence to Hygienic Practices, Very Important – NOA

By Web News 783

Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu has admonished Nigerians to ensure that hygienic practices are observed at all times to guard against the spread of Lassa fever.

Mrs. Dosunmu gave the advice at a news conference in Ibadan on the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria and scourge of coronavirus ravaging some countries of the world.

The NOA boss tasked members of the public to ensure a clean environment to avoid rodents and imbibe the habit of regular hand-washing.

Oyo NOA Director, Mrs. Dolapo Dosumu speaking on Lassa fever

While urging people to avoid the eating of bats or leftover foods, Mrs. Dosunmu counseled producers of cassava flakes, especially in the rural areas, to desist from spreading such substances on tarred roads during processing.

Mrs. Dosunmu who explained that the federal government is on red alert to ensure coronavirus does not surface on its soil appealed to Nigerians to contribute their part by strictly adhering to medical instructions.

Mosope Kehinde

Yoruba

Onímò ìlera gbamoran lórí àrun Lassa

By Web News 911

Onímò nípa isegun kan, Dókítà Olajide Oladipupo ti niki àwọn ènìyàn mú imotótó lókunkúndùn láti leè dènà àìsàn ibà ọ̀rẹ̀rẹ̀.

Dókítà Oladipupo sọ̀rọ̀ yi nínú iforowero pẹ̀lú akoroyin agbègbè àti ìgberíko nilu Ìbàdàn.

Ó fi aidunu rè hàn sí bí àwọn èèyàn kìí se kọbiara sí ìlera wọn ní paapajulo imotótó àyíká wọn leyi tó ní ó ṣe kókó fún ìlera.

Ó wá ro wọ́n láti máa da àwọn ìdọ̀tí àti ẹ̀gbin wọn nù lọ́nà tó yẹ. 

Dókítà Oladipupo wá gba àwọn ènìyàn lamoran wípé tí wọ́n bá kéfín àwọn àpẹrẹ bí ṣíṣe igbonse léraléra, inú kíkan, kí ẹ̀jẹ̀ má yọ nimú àti bíbi èébì ẹ̀jẹ̀ kí wọ́n tètè lọ sí àwọn ilé ìwòsàn fún itọju tó péye.

Kemi Ogunkọla/Taiwo Akinọla

Health

Osun Confirms Two Cases of Lassa Fever

By Web News 930

Osun State Government has confirmed two cases of Lassa fever in the state.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu made the confirmation at a news conference, at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo, the state capital.

Dr Isamotu said the two patients affected by the deadly disease were receiving treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

Dr. Isamotu assured that the government would do all within its power to curb the spread of the fever and ensured that those affected were given adequate treatment.

Meanwhile, Medical experts in Osun State want residents to ensure personal and environmental hygiene to avoid being infected by Lassa fever.

They gave the advice against the recently reported case of Lassa fever in some states in the country.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Temitope Mosadomi complete the story.

Her report. 

Gold FM

Health

Lassa Fever: Delta Government Urges Residents against Panic

By Web News 838

Delta State Government says there is no outbreak of Lassa fever in the state and has called on residents not to panic regarding the rumours doing the rounds.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, who made the announcement during a press briefing in response to the allegations, also expressed the readiness of the government to tackle any outbreak in the event of such occurrence.

Oghenero Eghweree

Health

84 Lassa Fever Cases Recorded in Ondo

By Web News 1124

The outbreak of Lassa fever has hit Ondo State.

So far, eighty-four cases have been recorded in the New Year. 

While sixteen of the patients have died, forty-seven others were currently on admission and responding to treatment.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Steven Fagbemi, confirmed this during a meeting with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Local Government Chairmen from Ondo North and Central Senatorial District at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

According to Dr. Fagbemi twenty-one persons had already been treated and discharged. 

Also speaking, the leader of the National Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Yahaya Disu, explained that the Lassa fever cases were recorded in Owo, Akoko South West, Akure South, and Ondo West Local Government Areas.

Corroborating, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro who advised Nigerians to visit hospitals when they notice fever symptoms, said the state government had mapped out strategies to contain the spread of the disease.

Earlier, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had advised local government chairmen in the state to deploy cleaners to markets and public places while the residents should maintain high level of hygiene to curtail the spread of the Lassa virus in the state.

Olorunferanmi Odofin