The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that no fewer than 172 people have died from Lassa fever across 21 states of the federation so far in 2025.
In its latest situation report released on Tuesday, the NCDC revealed that 924 confirmed cases of the viral disease were recorded as of epidemiological week 40, covering 106 Local Government Areas nationwide.
The agency noted that the current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.6 per cent, representing an increase from 17 per cent recorded within the same period in 2024 — a sign that the disease’s spread and impact are worsening.
According to the NCDC, five states continue to drive the bulk of infections, accounting for 90 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo State leads the chart with 35 per cent, followed by Bauchi (22 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (13 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent). The remaining 16 states contributed the remaining 10 per cent of infections.
“In week 40, the number of new confirmed cases rose from four in the previous week to thirteen, all reported from Ondo State,” the NCDC said in the report.
The agency further disclosed that the most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. It, however, confirmed that no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the week under review.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces, remains one of Nigeria’s leading endemic health challenges.
Public health experts have repeatedly called for stronger community surveillance, better sanitation, and improved health facility preparedness to curb the recurring outbreaks.
The NCDC reiterated its commitment to strengthening response mechanisms and urged state governments to intensify sensitization at the grassroots to reduce infections.
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