The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 674 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 127 related deaths between January and April 6, 2025. This brings the case fatality rate to 18.8%, a slight increase from the 18.5% recorded during the same period in 2024.
In its latest situation report released on Tuesday, the NCDC revealed it had recorded 4,025 suspected cases across 18 states and 93 local government areas (LGAs), with the confirmed infections spanning 14 weeks.
During the latest reporting week, 15 new cases and five deaths were recorded across six states: Ondo (5), Bauchi (5), Edo (2), Taraba (1), Ebonyi (1), and Gombe (1).
Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo remain the most affected states, accounting for 71% of all confirmed cases. Ondo alone contributed 30%, while Bauchi and Edo made up 25% and 16%, respectively.
The NCDC noted that young adults aged 21 to 30 are the most affected demographic—an outcome linked to limited public awareness, poor hygiene, and the high cost of treatment.
In response, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) and deployed rapid response teams to high-burden states. It has also supplied personal protective equipment and antiviral drugs to designated treatment centres
Encouragingly, the centre reported no new infections among health workers in the past week, a positive sign given their elevated risk of exposure.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to stay vigilant by maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headaches, or unexplained bleeding occur.
Reiterating that the fight against Lassa fever requires collective action, the agency called for strengthened public health awareness, improved sanitation, and adherence to preventive measures across communities.
