Nigeria has recorded 29 new cases of Lassa fever and five more deaths in one week, bringing the total fatalities from the disease in 2025 to 100.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this in its latest situation report published on Wednesday, covering the period from February 24 to March 2.
According to the report, the total number of confirmed cases this year stands at 535, spread across 13 states and 75 local government areas.
The NCDC data revealed that Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states continue to bear the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for 72 per cent of all confirmed cases.
Specifically, Ondo recorded 168 cases, Bauchi 128, and Edo 93. Other affected states include Taraba (83), Ebonyi (17), Kogi (14), Gombe (11), Plateau (nine), Benue (five), Nasarawa (three), Cross River (two), Delta (one), and Enugu (one).
During the latest reporting week, new cases and fatalities were reported in nine states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Cross River, Nasarawa, and Enugu.
The NCDC noted that the number of new infections decreased from the 54 cases recorded in the previous week.
The agency stated that the overall case fatality rate (CFR) currently stands at 18.7 per cent, slightly lower than the 18.8 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
Most affected individuals fall within the 21–30 age group, with the median age being 30. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
To contain the outbreak, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Incident Management System to coordinate the country’s response.
National Rapid Response Teams have also been deployed to affected states to support control measures using a “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health interventions.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. It can also spread through direct contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from the nose, mouth, and ears.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
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