NCDC records 832 Lassa fever, Mpox cases
…Tasks Nigerians on precautions measures against cholera in rainy season
By Matthew Denis
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 832 cases of Lassa fever and Mpox across the country, with 135 deaths recorded in 2025.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Olajide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, provided details about the ongoing health challenges, including measures against cholera outbreaks during the current rainy season.
Dr. Idris reiterated the NCDC’s commitment to protecting public health, stressing the importance of providing accurate, transparent, and timely health information. The agency, in partnership with State Health Authorities and other stakeholders, continues to monitor the diseases through national surveillance platforms while offering timely support to affected states.
As of epidemiological week 16, the country has recorded 4,253 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 696 confirmed cases and 132 deaths. The Case Fatality Rate stands at 19.0%. Dr. Idris pointed out that there has been a gradual decline in Lassa fever cases, with the latest figures from week 16, ending April 20, 2025, showing positive improvements.
He attributed these improvements to ongoing surveillance, treatment, and community engagement efforts, although he cautioned that the risk remains high, especially in endemic areas.
On cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), Dr. Idris shared that the country has seen a steady decrease in new cases and fatalities over the past three weeks. He acknowledged the positive impact of control measures and said that vaccination, surveillance, and treatment strategies were being dynamically adapted in response to emerging data. He emphasised the importance of community trust and early care-seeking behaviours in managing the outbreak. The NCDC plans to continue the response until full containment is achieved.
In terms of Mpox, the NCDC has closely monitored outbreaks throughout 2025. From weeks one to 16, 723 suspected cases of Mpox were reported across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 136 confirmed cases in 27 states. Tragically, three deaths have been linked to Mpox, including two in week 10 from Abia and Ebonyi states, and one recent death in Rivers State involving a young male with advanced HIV and Tuberculosis. The national Case Fatality Rate for Mpox stands at 2.2%.
Dr. Idris explained that the epidemic curve for Mpox had shown several peaks, reflecting ongoing transmission, particularly in the southern and central regions of Nigeria. The NCDC has noted that individuals across various sectors, including students, traders, civil servants, and healthcare workers, are being affected, with both community and healthcare-associated transmission occurring, especially in high-contact settings.
He highlighted that a comprehensive, multi-tiered response strategy is currently in place. This includes the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre, which provides leadership through weekly meetings with hotspot states, and the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to strengthen local health authorities’ response capabilities. Additionally, essential medicines, intravenous fluids, personal protective equipment, and laboratory supplies have been pre-positioned in states to ensure timely access during case surges.
The NCDC has also optimised five more Mpox laboratories in various geopolitical zones, including Bauchi, Kano, Cross River, Rivers, and Enugu states. Training for healthcare workers on case management, infection prevention, and control continues, alongside community outreach through media campaigns aimed at ensuring stigma-free reporting.
Dr. Idris concluded by reaffirming the NCDC’s commitment to controlling the spread of these diseases and ensuring public health safety across Nigeria.
