The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over the rising toll of Lassa fever in the country, confirming 162 deaths across 21 states as of epidemiological week 35, which covered August 25–31, 2025.
According to a situation update released on Tuesday via its official website, the agency reported 10 new confirmed cases during the period, up from three in the preceding week. The latest infections were detected in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba states.
Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 7,375 suspected cases and 871 laboratory-confirmed infections in 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent, higher than the 17.1 per cent documented during the same period in 2024.
The NCDC identified Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states as the nation’s hotspots, accounting for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo tops the list with 33 per cent, followed by Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (18 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), and Ebonyi (three per cent).
Most patients fall within the 21–30 age bracket, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. Although no new healthcare worker infection was reported in week 35, the agency disclosed that 23 health workers have been affected since the start of 2025.
While acknowledging that overall suspected and confirmed cases are slightly lower than last year’s figures, the NCDC warned that persistent risks remain. It cited late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to treatment costs, and unsanitary conditions in high-burden communities as factors driving the high mortality rate.
In response, the Centre said it has deployed 10 rapid response teams to support affected states, strengthened surveillance systems, and distributed critical medical countermeasures, including ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sanitisers.
The agency also announced plans to roll out a five-year strategic plan (2025–2029) aimed at reducing the spread and fatality of Lassa fever nationwide.
The NCDC urged Nigerians, particularly those in hotspot states, to prioritise hygiene, improve rodent control, and seek timely medical attention at the earliest signs of illness to curb the spread and impact of the disease.
