The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a sharp increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths across the country, revealing that a total of 145 people have lost their lives to the disease so far in 2025.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, the case fatality rate currently stands at 18.6%, as the nation grapples with the spread of the rodent-borne disease.
The report, released at the end of the week, indicates a 17.6% rise in both confirmed infections and fatalities within the first 25 weeks of the year when compared to data from the same period in 2024.
Between epidemiological weeks 16 and 22, a total of 5,943 suspected cases were tested, out of which 781 were confirmed positive. The infections were recorded across 101 local government areas in 20 states.
New infections continue to emerge, with 10 fresh cases confirmed in the past week alone — primarily from Ondo and Edo States. This figure represents an increase of two cases compared to data from the previous two weeks.
The NCDC highlighted that five states account for the majority—91%—of all confirmed Lassa fever cases. These include Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%).
The agency further noted that males remain more affected than females, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals aged 21 to 30.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC is intensifying public sensitisation on preventive measures and early hospital visits upon noticing symptoms.
It is also strengthening collaborations with key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and other health organisations to contain the spread of the virus and reduce fatalities.
