12 Dead From 112 Confirmed Lassa Fever Cases in Ondo
At least twelve people have died from 112 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Ondo State, according to the state’s Acting Statistician-General, Olusola Ajayi. He made the announcement in Akure, Ondo’s capital, while addressing workers from the state’s waste management authority.
Ajayi expressed concern over the rising number of confirmed cases and the 12 deaths, calling the situation alarming.
He urged the workers at the Ondo State Waste Management Authority to step up their efforts and collaborate with health sector stakeholders to create a cleaner environment, as part of the solution to curbing the spread of the disease.
Ajayi shared the latest statistics: “As of today, Ondo State has reported 353 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 112 confirmed, and 12 deaths. If we want to act, the time is now,” he emphasized.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) also confirmed 143 cases out of 484 suspected Lassa fever cases between December 30, 2024, and January 12, 2025, across seven states and 32 local government areas. The NCDC reported 22 deaths, marking a case fatality rate of 15.4%.
Last week, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, revealed that Ondo State had recorded nearly 400 suspected Lassa fever cases since the outbreak began, with 100 cases confirmed. He added that while specific death toll figures were still being compiled, some fatalities had already been recorded.
