Nigeria has recorded 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 155 deaths so far in 2025, according to the latest situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
This brings the country’s case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.9 per cent, a rise from the 17.1 per cent reported during the same period in 2024.
The NCDC’s update, published on Wednesday, covers Epidemiological Week 29 (July 14–20, 2025). During the week, 120 suspected cases were reported, with 11 new confirmed infections in Ondo and Edo states, along with three additional deaths.
The CFR for Week 29 alone stood at 27.3 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and timely medical intervention.
“Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities continue to drive high mortality,” the NCDC stated.
So far in 2025, 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have reported at least one confirmed case of the disease. Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—accounted for 89 per cent of all confirmed cases, with Ondo State alone contributing 32 per cent.
The NCDC noted that young adults aged 21–30 years were the most affected demographic, with a slight male predominance (male-to-female ratio: 1:0.8).
Despite the rising toll, the agency highlighted several proactive response measures, including:
Deployment of 10 Rapid Response Teams to affected states
Training and sensitisation of healthcare workers
Distribution of Ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand sanitizers
Community awareness campaigns in hotspot areas such as Edo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi
The NCDC also reported no new infections among healthcare workers during the week, though 23 health workers have been infected since January.
To strengthen long-term response, the agency said it had completed a Lassa Fever Advocacy Toolkit, conducted readiness assessments, and is set to launch the 2025–2029 Lassa Fever Strategic Plan.
With the rainy season—known to encourage rodent activity and virus transmission—still ongoing, the NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.
“We must emphasise rodent control, environmental sanitation, and early hospital visits at the first sign of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding,” the agency advised.
The NCDC also warned against the spread of misinformation and called for continuous media and community engagement to support prevention and save lives.
“The public is encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and use the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” it added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness, primarily transmitted through contact with urine or faeces of infected rats. It can also spread person-to-person via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
