The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 172 people have died from Lassa fever across the country in 2025.
In its latest Situation Report released on Tuesday, October 21, the public health agency said 924 confirmed cases have been recorded so far, cutting across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas.
According to the report, the case fatality rate (CFR) has risen to 18.6 per cent, compared to 17 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
The agency noted that the majority of cases were concentrated in a few high-burden states, warning that the disease remains a significant public health concern.
“In week 40, the number of new confirmed cases increased from four in Week 39 to 13, all reported from Ondo State,” the NCDC stated.
The NCDC revealed that five states accounted for 90 per cent of all confirmed cases. These include Ondo (35%), Bauchi (22%), Edo (17%), Taraba (13%), and Ebonyi (3%).
The remaining 10 per cent of infections were spread across 16 other states, signalling a sustained transmission pattern despite containment efforts.
Epidemiologists say the concentration of cases in these states underscores the need for stronger community surveillance, rodent control, and public sensitisation, particularly in rural areas where food storage practices attract disease vectors.
The report further showed that the most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8 — indicating a slightly higher prevalence among males.
“No new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the week under review,” the agency added, describing this as an encouraging sign of improved infection prevention and control in hospitals.
While the NCDC said it continues to coordinate national surveillance, laboratory testing, and treatment efforts, it warned that Lassa fever remains endemic in several parts of Nigeria.
The agency reiterated its call for continuous state-level preparedness, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing fatalities.
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