Abuja, October 2, 2025 – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that 166 Nigerians lost their lives to Lassa fever between January and September 2025, with the fatality rate now higher than what was recorded in 2024.

The public health agency disclosed the figures in its latest situation report published on its official website, covering Epidemiological Week 37, from September 8 to 14. It explained that the current situation reflects a worrying trend despite ongoing national response efforts.

According to the NCDC, “a total of 895 confirmed cases have been recorded across 21 states and 106 local government areas in 2025,” representing a widespread presence of the virus in multiple parts of the country.

The centre said the case fatality rate (CFR) has climbed to 18.5 percent, surpassing the 16.9 percent reported during the same period in 2024. It emphasized that although suspected and confirmed cases are lower this year, more patients are dying due to “late presentation and poor health-seeking behaviour, often linked to the high cost of treatment.”

Highlighting the geographical burden of the outbreak, the NCDC pointed out that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states continue to account for 90 percent of all confirmed cases, with Ondo State alone responsible for a third of total infections nationwide.

In its latest update, the agency confirmed that no new healthcare worker was infected during the reporting week. However, it warned that poor environmental sanitation, weak community awareness, and delayed treatment remain major drivers of the outbreak’s persistence and severity.

The centre explained that Lassa fever is “an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus,” transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodents, particularly the multi-mammate rat. It also noted that human-to-human transmission is possible, especially in hospitals without adequate infection prevention measures.

NCDC officials outlined that symptoms often include fever, headache, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while severe cases may present with unexplained bleeding. The agency added that the disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, with Nigeria bearing the heaviest burden in the region.

To strengthen control measures, the agency revealed it had deployed 10 rapid response teams to high-burden states, rolled out new infection prevention and control (IPC) training modules, and supported clinical management fellowship programmes in collaboration with both local and international partners.

The NCDC further urged states to intensify community engagement and preventive campaigns, while reminding healthcare workers to “maintain a high index of suspicion and initiate early treatment once symptoms are identified,” stressing that timely response remains the best strategy to reduce Lassa fever deaths in Nigeria. GMTNewsng

South Korea’s rice production is projected to experience a slight decline in 2025, continuing a downward trend for the fourth consecutive year. “Rice output is expected to fall by 0.3 percent this year compared to 2024,” the Ministry of Data and Statistics said in a report released on Thursday.

According to the ministry, South Korea is set to produce an estimated 3,574,000 tons of rice in 2025. “This compares with 3,585,000 tons harvested the previous year,” the ministry explained, noting that rice remains a staple food for millions of South Koreans and a key part of national food security.

The statistical office attributed the decline to a drop in farmland. “The size of rice paddies across the country declined by 2.9 percent in 2025 to 678,000 hectares,” it said. “This marks the lowest level since relevant data began to be compiled in 1965.”

Officials further highlighted structural challenges behind the reduction. “Urban expansion, climate-related pressures, and shifting land-use priorities continue to impact rice cultivation,” the report stated. “Unless addressed, these factors could place greater strain on domestic food supply in the future.”

The office also noted that consumption patterns are shifting. “Rice consumption in South Korea has been on the decline for decades due to changing eating habits,” it said. “A growing preference for alternatives such as bread and noodles has lessened dependence on rice as the primary staple.”

Despite the decline in output, the Ministry assured that supply will remain stable for now. “This year’s rice harvest is expected to exceed demand by about 165,000 tons,” it reported, pointing to household consumption, food processing, and government rice reserves.

Still, the ministry cautioned that the long-term trend remains concerning. “The continued fall in rice paddies and production poses a serious challenge,” it warned. “Policymakers must invest in sustainable farming, support young farmers, and adopt agricultural technology to safeguard the country’s staple grain for the future.” GMTNewsng

Stakeholders in the Igboeze South local government area of Enugu State have passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Peter Mbah and the Council Chairman, Mr Ferdinand Ukwueze.

This is contained in a communique signed by HRM Okechukwu Agbaji, the Agbaji of Unadu Ancient Kingdom, and others at the end of their meeting on Sunday at Ibagwa-Aka.

The stakeholders noted that their decision followed a thorough assessment of the governor’s achievements within his two years in office.

The leaders listed the achievements to include the construction of 260 smart schools and 260 type 2 hospitals across 260 political wards and the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres.

Others are the construction of Opi–Ekwegbe–Ugwogo Nike–Abakpa dual carriageway, the Nsukka bus terminal, and the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses for safer and more affordable travel.

They also acknowledged the improved air connectivity through the revitalised Enugu airport.

“In this spirit, traditional rulers and presidents general of town unions in Igboeze South, led by Agbaji, have openly declared their support for Gov. Peter Mbah.”

“With key projects ongoing across Igboeze South Council Area two years into the administration of Mbah, we have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor.

“We commended his innovative and transformative strides across Enugu State,” it said.

The leaders further expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Local Government Chairman, Ukwuweze, for aligning with the governor’s vision.

They highlighted his achievements to include reconstruction of the council secretariat, construction of rural roads, improved security, and youth empowerment among others.

“The collective voice of the traditional institution in Igboeze South has sent a strong message of solidarity and support for the current administration.” the communique added.

They equally offered prayers for sustained progress and urged continued support for Mbah’s socio-economic agenda.