NCDC RECORDS 215 LASSA FEVER DEATHS NATIONWIDE IN 2025
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 215 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025, with the case fatality rate (CFR) rising to 18.7 per cent—higher than the 16.3 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
The figures were disclosed in the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 52 (December 22–28, 2025), published on its official website. The report indicated that Nigeria recorded 1,148 confirmed cases from a total of 9,389 suspected cases during the year.
According to the NCDC, confirmed cases were reported in 22 states and 107 local government areas, highlighting the persistent public health challenge posed by the viral hemorrhagic disease.
While the number of suspected and confirmed cases declined compared to 2024, the agency expressed concern over the higher fatality rate.
“In epidemiological week 52 alone, 27 new confirmed cases and nine deaths were recorded across Bauchi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Taraba, and Nasarawa states,” the NCDC stated, noting an increase from the 21 cases reported in the previous week—an indication of sustained transmission in hotspot areas.
The report revealed that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba states accounted for 89 per cent of all confirmed cases nationwide, with Ondo leading at 35 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 26 per cent, Edo at 16 per cent, and Taraba at 12 per cent.
On the demographic distribution, the agency said young adults aged 21 to 30 years were the most affected. Cases ranged from one to 96 years, with a median age of 30 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stood at 1:0.8.
The NCDC attributed the rising fatality rate largely to late presentation at health facilities, poor health-seeking behavior, and the high cost of treatment, particularly in high-burden communities. Poor environmental sanitation and low public awareness were also identified as contributing factors.
Despite these challenges, the agency said it had intensified response efforts through a multi-partner and multi-sectoral approach, including the deployment of 10 National Rapid Response Teams to affected states.
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Other interventions include the training of healthcare workers, strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, distribution of Ribavirin and personal protective equipment (PPEs), as well as expanded risk communication and community engagement activities.
The NCDC noted that no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded in week 52, attributing this to improved IPC compliance in treatment centres.
Looking ahead, the agency urged states to sustain year-round community engagement on Lassa fever prevention as the country prepares for the next outbreak season. It also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure timely referral and treatment of suspected cases, and called on partners to continue strengthening state capacity to prevent, detect, and respond promptly to outbreaks.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or farces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission may also occur through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
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