By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SUSPECTED CASES of Lassa fever in Nigeria have reached 6,520 this year, with 811 confirmed and 152 deaths recorded as of week 28, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
From July 7 to July 13, the agency recorded 265 suspected cases, including 11 confirmed in Ondo, Edo, and Benue states.
The latest fatality count reflects a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 percent—an increase from the 17.3 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
In total, 21 states have reported at least one confirmed case, spanning 105 local government areas. Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi – accounted for 89 percent of all confirmed cases this year.
Ondo State alone contributed 32 percent, followed by Bauchi with 23 percent, Edo 17 percent, Taraba 14 percent, and Ebonyi 3 percent.
Most affected individuals fall within the 21 to 30 age range, with a median age of 30.
The gender distribution among confirmed cases stands at a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8.
The NCDC noted a reduction in both suspected and confirmed cases when compared to the same reporting period in 2024. No new infections were recorded among healthcare workers in week 28.
The agency also confirmed that its national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral technical working group continues to coordinate response efforts at all levels.
