Nigeria is experiencing a promising decline in confirmed cases of Lassa fever and Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), according to recent data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
In week 16 of the epidemiology, the country reported 4,253 suspected Lassa fever cases, with 696 confirmed and 132 deaths—yielding a case fatality rate of 19.0 percent.
Encouragingly, this marks a significant reduction from earlier weeks.
Speaking at a press conference, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris highlighted this positive trend: “Since epidemiology week 12, Nigeria has recorded a steady decline in confirmed Lassa fever cases—from 41 cases down to 10 in week 16 (ending April 20, 2025),” he said.
“Encouragingly, both the number of deaths and the case fatality rate have also decreased, with only three deaths reported recently. These improvements reflect the positive impact of ongoing surveillance, treatment, and community engagement efforts. However, the risk remains high, especially in endemic areas, and we must intensify our efforts.”
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The situation is similar with Cerebrospinal Meningitis, where Dr. Idris noted that both new infections and deaths have declined over the past three weeks.
“Surveillance, treatment, and vaccination strategies are being dynamically adapted to emerging data, with a strong emphasis on building community trust and encouraging early care-seeking,” he added. While the outbreak remains serious, improved national and sub-national coordination, preparedness, and vaccination efforts are beginning to turn the tide,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining response efforts until the outbreaks are fully contained and state authorities fully implement the CSM Incident Action Plan.
Acknowledging the progress made, Dr. Idris credited the NCDC’s collaboration with state health ministries, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other partners.
“We have seen a steady decline in both cases and deaths over the past three weeks. We will maintain all response activities—coordination, provision of medical supplies, surveillance, laboratory support, clinical mentoring, vaccination planning, and community engagement—until no new cases emerge and state systems fully implement the CSM Incident Action Plan,” he stated.
