‘Cholera, Lassa fever, others killed 1,738 in 2025’

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No fewer than 1,738 deaths from cholera, Lassa fever, measles and diphtheria outbreaks were recorded nationwide in 2025, Saturday PUNCH gathered.

This is according to official situation reports released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

The reports showed that Lassa fever, cholera, measles and diphtheria continued to exact a heavy toll across multiple states, with thousands of suspected and confirmed infections reported.

As of December 14, the country recorded 9,164 suspected Lassa fever cases, 1,097 confirmed infections and 201 deaths in 21 states and 103 local government areas, with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.3 per cent.

“Cumulatively, as at week 50, 2025, 201 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (16.1 per cent).

“In total for 2025, 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 103 Local Government Areas,” the report partly read.

Nigeria is also battling cholera outbreaks across multiple states.

The cholera situation report by WHO noted that the country recorded “22,102 cholera cases and 500 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate of 2.3 per cent.”

Measles infections also surged nationwide, with 26,866 suspected cases as of November.

Of the figure, 19,213 were confirmed infections, with 153 deaths across all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 507 LGAs.

Measles is an acute, highly infectious viral disease that causes fever, red rash, cough and red eyes.

It is transmitted through coughing and sneezing, contact with respiratory secretions or aerosols, or close personal contact.

The virus can remain contagious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

The period of greatest infectiousness occurs four days before the onset of rash and four days after it appears.

“From January to November 2025, Borno (7,968), Zamfara (4,779), Yobe (2,076), Bauchi (1,574) and Kebbi (1,357) accounted for 66.10 per cent of the 26,866 suspected measles cases reported.

“Of the suspected cases reported, 19,213 (71.51 per cent) were confirmed (2,791 lab-confirmed, 2,013 epi-linked and 14,409 clinically compatible); 6,440 (23.78 per cent) were discarded, and 1,213 (3.38 per cent) were pending classification.

“The age group 9–59 months accounted for 9,399 (48.92 per cent) of all confirmed cases. A total of 153 deaths (CFR = 0.8 per cent) were recorded among confirmed cases,” the NCDC said.

Nigeria continues to report the highest number of diphtheria cases in the African Region.

“From January 1 to November 2, 2025, 12,150 suspected cases have been reported in Nigeria, with 8,587 confirmed and 884 deaths (CFR 7.2 per cent). Confirmed cases have been reported from 240 Local Government Areas across 30 states.

“Most cases are clinically compatible, with only three per cent confirmed by laboratory testing. The outbreak has disproportionately affected children and adolescents, with low vaccination coverage contributing to the spread,” the WHO said.

Low vaccination coverage, delayed laboratory confirmation, weak infection prevention practices and vaccine shortages were identified as major challenges, while discussions with global partners are ongoing to secure additional support.

“In Nigeria, more than two million children are under-immunised, including those with zero doses, highlighting the high risk of further spread. Reactive campaigns have been conducted in Imo, Kaduna and Lagos, targeting health workers and priority populations.

“The outbreak overlaps with areas targeted by the Big Catch-up initiative. Challenges include delayed laboratory confirmation, poor IPC practices, limited information, education and communication materials, and vaccine shortages,” the global health body stated.

The PUNCH journalist, Lara, has over 10 years experience covering health, environment and CSOs

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