Health
JUST IN: NCDC reports 80 deaths from lassa fever as fatality rate rises to 19.4% across 11 states

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 80 deaths from 413 Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the case fatality rate (CFR) has surged to 19.4%, up from 17.5% in the same period last year.
Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 73% of confirmed cases, with Ondo recording the highest at 34%, followed by Edo (21%) and Bauchi (18%).
A total of 63 local government areas across 11 states have recorded confirmed cases, according to the NCDC.
“Despite a decline in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.
“The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.”
While no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, the NCDC noted that delayed case presentations have contributed to the rising fatality rate.
Key challenges in containing the outbreak NCDC has identified poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges in tackling the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak.
To address the outbreak, the NCDC had activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.
“The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.
“The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.
“Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”
The NCDC has reiterated its collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response for Lassa fever.
“As the Lassa fever season peaks, we are intensifying case management training, enhancing rapid response coordination, and reinforcing infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread,” the agency stated.
It further disclosed plans for a nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign in partnership with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.
Preventive measures and public advisory
The agency also urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if they experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding.
“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232,” it added.
The NCDC has reiterated that Lassa fever is preventable and urged Nigerians to take proactive steps to minimize their risk of infection.
One of the key preventive measures, according to the agency, is proper food storage.
“Store food in sealed containers to prevent contamination by rats,” the NCDC advised. Keeping homes clean and eliminating rodent hiding places is also essential in reducing exposure.
The agency further emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices.
“Regular handwashing with soap and water helps prevent the spread of infection,” it stated.
Additionally, it warned against bush burning, which forces rats into homes and increases the likelihood of transmission.
Early detection remains critical in managing Lassa fever. “If you experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately at a health facility,” the NCDC advised.
It encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Health
Lagos Shuts Down YABATECH Sewage Plant Over Unauthorized Waste Discharge

The Lagos State Government has sealed the sewage and wastewater treatment facility at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) following allegations that the institution was discharging raw, untreated sewage into the environment in violation of state environmental laws.
The enforcement action was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), operating under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, after the college reportedly ignored multiple warning letters and failed to address long-standing environmental compliance issues.
Announcing the development, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the college’s actions constituted a serious breach of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. The law explicitly prohibits the discharge of untreated wastewater or sewage into public drains, canals, or any part of the natural environment.
“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed off the non-functional sewage and wastewater treatment facility of Yaba College of Technology due to its illegal discharge of raw sewage into the environment,” Wahab said in a statement.
He described the situation as a major public health risk, noting that untreated human waste contributes to the contamination of water sources, the spread of waterborne diseases, and general environmental degradation. Wahab emphasized that institutions, whether public or private, are not exempt from compliance with environmental laws and standards.
“Illegal discharge of wastewater not only endangers the health of residents but also undermines our efforts to maintain a sustainable, safe, and flood-resilient Lagos. The state government has zero tolerance for environmental infractions and will continue to enforce compliance,” the commissioner said.
#ZeroToleranceLagos Campaign
The sealing of YABATECH’s facility forms part of the state’s ongoing #ZeroToleranceLagos campaign—an initiative aimed at holding individuals, businesses, and institutions accountable for environmental violations. According to the Ministry, the campaign is designed to protect public health, improve environmental quality, and reduce pollution across Lagos.
Officials from the Wastewater Management Office said they had repeatedly engaged YABATECH’s management before resorting to enforcement. Technical guidance and timelines for achieving compliance were provided, but the institution allegedly failed to take corrective action.
Broader Enforcement Actions Across Lagos
In a related development, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has continued its crackdown on environmental violators across the state. On Thursday, the agency sealed 11 establishments in the Ikorodu area for various infractions, including persistent noise pollution, improper waste disposal, and failure to obtain necessary environmental permits.
The affected businesses include bars, hotels, lounges, and industrial facilities. Among those sealed are Zero Square Bar & Lounge, Limpex Resources, Starex Poly, Skipper Nigeria Ltd, NDO Hotel & Suites, Beechwood Guest House, Embassy Lounge, and A-Star Pencil.
The enforcement operation targeted several key areas in Ikorodu, such as Agodo Gas Line, Odogunyan Industrial Layout, Ita Oluwo Junction, Haruna, Ipakodo Road, and Ebute.
LASEPA stated that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to promote environmental responsibility and ensure that all sectors adhere to the state’s environmental protection framework.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating a healthier and more livable environment for its residents. Officials say that environmental compliance is central to the state’s climate resilience agenda and a critical step toward achieving its goals for a cleaner, greener Lagos.
Commissioner Wahab urged all public institutions, private companies, and individuals to align with the state’s environmental policies, warning that non-compliance would attract strict penalties, including fines, facility closures, and potential legal action.
“Lagos is committed to enforcing all existing environmental laws. Institutions must lead by example, and no one is above the law when it comes to protecting our environment,” Wahab added.
The situation at YABATECH serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence and the growing resolve of the Lagos State Government to ensure strict enforcement of environmental standards across the state.
Health
JUST IN: Doctors in FCT Commence Indefinite Strike Over Outstanding Issues

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration on Monday began an indefinite strike on Monday.
This was disclosed in a communique issued by the ARD-FCT on Monday, signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, and General-Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.
The association had embarked on a seven-day warning strike last Monday to press home its demands, following months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.
Details later.
Health
Overworked RSUTH Resident Doctor Slump, Dies on Duty
What happened is that he was on call in the Emergency Room. Afterward, he went to the call room to rest, and it was there that he died. Unfortunately, he was the only one attending to the patients.

Dr Oluwafemi Rotifa, a young resident doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) collapsed and died after a gruelling 72-hour call duty.
Ohibaba.com reliably gathered that the deceased doctor, fondly called Femoski by colleagues, was a former President of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students’ Association, PUMSA, and was registered with the United Kingdom’s General Medical Council, awaiting placement abroad.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, who confirmed Rotifa’s death, said that the deceased doctor had been on continuous call duty for three days in the Emergency Room before he retreated to the call room to rest.
It was there that he slumped and later died, despite efforts to resuscitate him in the Intensive Care Unit.
“What happened is that he was on call in the Emergency Room. Afterward, he went to the call room to rest, and it was there that he died. Unfortunately, he was the only one attending to the patients.
“The overuse of manpower strained his health and led to this painful death. It was a death on duty,” Osundara lamented.
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