The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has raised concerns over what it described as increasing number of Lassa fever cases and fatalities.
The Director-General of the centre, Jide Idris, who made the observation on Monday in Abuja, stated that 1,154 confirmed cases and 190 deaths were recorded so far this year.
According to him, the development represent a case fatality rate of over 13 per cent.
The Director-General also noted that 9,492 suspected cases have been documented across the country, with Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue and Ebonyi states accounting for 89 per cent of confirmed infections.
Idris pointed out that the last four weeks saw a sharp rise in cases, signaling the severity of the outbreak.
He emphasized that the trend underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-burden states and communities.
The NCDC Director-General also explained that 10 local government areas, including Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, and Kirfi, account for nearly 59 per cent of confirmed cases, with Ondo State alone representing 29.7 per cent of cases, followed by Edo at 22.7 per cent and Bauchi at 17.9 per cent.
In response to the outbreak, Idris disclosed that the NCDC has activated Emergency Operations at Response Level 2 to enhance coordination and management efforts.
Idris advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache and general body weakness to seek prompt medical attention.
