Nigeria has recorded 29 new Lassa fever infections and five deaths in one week, bringing the total fatalities recorded in 2025 to 100, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The country has confirmed 535 cases across 13 states and 75 local government areas this year, with an 18% case fatality rate.
The NCDC said among the challenges were late presentation of cases; poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of the illness; poor environmental sanitation conditions in high-burden communities, and poor awareness in these communities.
The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or excrement. It can also spread through bodily fluids.
Health officials confirmed that a patient with recent travel history to the United Kingdom died from the disease after returning to Nigeria, prompting contact tracing efforts in both countries, Reuters reports.
The NCDC has issued a renewed advisory urging heightened awareness and preventative measures, especially among healthcare workers and those in or travelling to affected areas.
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