The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 155 people have died from Lassa fever between January 1 and July 20, 2025.
This marks a significant increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR), which now stands at 18.9%, compared to 17.1% during the same period in 2024.
In its latest situation report released on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the NCDC revealed that as of epidemiological Week 29, Nigeria had recorded a total of 6,640 suspected cases and 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The statement noted that new confirmed cases in Week 29 were consistent with those reported in Week 28, with fresh infections recorded in Ondo and Edo states.
The NCDC also highlighted that the majority of confirmed cases, 89%, came from five states: Ondo (32%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining 11% were reported across 16 other states.
The most affected age group is 21–30 years, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8. “No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week,” the report added, offering a slight relief amid the rising numbers.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral illness endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria. It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with poor infection control measures.
Despite the drop in the number of suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same time frame in 2024, health authorities remain on alert. The National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response at all levels.
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