Nigeria: Lassa fever claims 142 lives as NCDC confirms 747 cases across 18 Nigerian states
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 747 cases of Lassa fever and 142 related deaths across 18 states as of epidemiological week 22 in 2025.
According to the latest situation report, the disease’s Case Fatality Rate stands at 19.0%, showing a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. The most affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, which together account for 91% of the confirmed cases. Ondo alone recorded 31% of infections, followed by Bauchi (25%), Edo and Taraba (16% each), and Ebonyi (3%).
New infections rose slightly from 6 in the previous week to 8 in week 22, with fresh cases recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa. The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years, with a median age of 30. Men make up a slightly higher number of the confirmed cases than women.
Despite a general decrease in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to last year, the NCDC stressed the need for sustained vigilance and intervention. The agency is working through its multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate national efforts in curbing the outbreak.
Key activities by the NCDC include conducting risk assessments, integrating Lassa fever awareness into broader health communication strategies, and launching an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform. They have also deployed 10 rapid response teams to support outbreak control in affected states using the One Health approach.
To further strengthen the response, the NCDC, with support from the Robert Koch Institute, has distributed updated IPC guidelines to health facilities. They are also collaborating with state IPC teams and treatment centers to enforce standard protocols and reduce hospital-acquired infections, especially in high-risk local government areas.
The NCDC continues to urge Nigerians, particularly those in endemic areas, to stay alert and take preventive measures to reduce the spread of Lassa fever.
