The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decrease in Lassa fever cases, although Mpox remains a significant health threat in the country.

At a national health security briefing in Abuja on Friday, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, announced that confirmed Lassa fever cases had fallen from 41 to just 10 between weeks 12 and 17 of 2025. The number of deaths and the case fatality rate also dropped, with only three fatalities reported during this period. Dr. Idris attributed these improvements to continuous surveillance, treatment, and community engagement efforts. However, he cautioned that the risk of further outbreaks remains high, especially in endemic areas, urging for strengthened control measures.

In total, Nigeria has reported 4,672 suspected Lassa fever cases, 707 confirmed cases, and 135 deaths so far in 2025, with a case fatality rate of 19%. The disease, caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. It can also spread between individuals, particularly in healthcare settings lacking proper infection prevention practices.

While Lassa fever cases have declined, Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) continues to spread across Nigeria. Dr. Idris highlighted the steady rise in Mpox cases since its re-emergence in 2017, with significant spikes in 2022 to 2024, making Nigeria one of the most affected countries globally. Between weeks 1 and 16 of 2025, 723 suspected Mpox cases were reported across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Of these, 136 were confirmed in 27 states and the FCT. Three deaths have been recorded, including two in Abia and Ebonyi states in Week 10, and another in Rivers State involving a young male with advanced HIV and tuberculosis. The national case fatality rate for Mpox in 2025 is 2.2%.

Despite the challenges posed by Mpox, the NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely. Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of ongoing public health education, improved surveillance, and stronger community engagement in preventing further infections. The NCDC remains dedicated to reinforcing its efforts to manage both Lassa fever and Mpox as the country continues to battle these diseases.