NCDC has announced that Nigeria recorded 33 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever during Epidemiological Week 49, with the national case fatality rate increasing to 18.2 per cent.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agency said the new infections were recorded during Epidemiological Week 49 and came from Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states.
Eight deaths were reported within the same period, pushing the total number of confirmed cases in 2025 to 1,069.
In its latest situation report covering December 1 to 7, the NCDC noted that the deaths recorded during the week resulted in a higher weekly fatality rate of 24.2 per cent.
It added that Nigeria has now documented over 9,000 suspected cases this year, with cumulative deaths rising to 195. The overall fatality rate is higher than what was recorded at the same time in 2024.
The agency disclosed that Lassa fever has been confirmed in 21 states and more than 100 local government areas in 2025.
Ondo State remains the worst affected, followed by Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba, with the four states accounting for the majority of confirmed infections nationwide.
Young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 were identified as the most affected age group, although cases were reported across all age ranges.
NCDC said infections were slightly higher among males and confirmed that no new cases involving healthcare workers were recorded during the week.
The agency added that it is sustaining its nationwide response through surveillance, public awareness campaigns, early testing, treatment support, and coordination with state governments.
It also advised Nigerians to improve hygiene practices, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical care early when symptoms appear.
In a related development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development has raised concern over Nigeria’s limited presence in the global antimalarial drug market, revealing that the country currently has only one World Health Organisation-prequalified antimalarial product.
The institute disclosed this during a technical workshop held in Lagos to support local pharmaceutical companies under the National Malaria Elimination Programme, with backing from the World Bank.
Officials said the training was aimed at helping manufacturers meet WHO standards and expand Nigeria’s capacity to produce quality antimalarial medicines for local use and export.
NIPRD explained that poor funding, weak technical capacity and outdated equipment have continued to limit the ability of local companies to attain WHO prequalification, stressing that improving local drug production is key to strengthening Nigeria’s response to infectious diseases.
