Nigeria has recorded 1,035 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 8,569 suspected cases, with 174 deaths reported across 28 states and 129 local government areas as of October 13, 2024.
During the 2023/2024 season, the country also recorded 4,915 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), with 380 confirmed cases and 361 deaths across 174 LGAs in 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), revealed these statistics during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing the need for vigilance as Lassa fever continues to affect lives and livelihoods.
Dr. Idris stressed that the agency’s alert on Lassa Fever and meningitis was crucial to preventing avoidable loss of life, which affects individuals, families, and the nation as a whole.
He emphasized that both diseases are preventable with timely, proactive measures.
To address these risks, the NCDC has already strengthened its…