By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria has recorded 155 deaths from Lassa fever between January 1 and July 20, 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The updated Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now stands at 18.9%, surpassing the 17.1% figure reported during the same period in 2024.
As of epidemiological Week 29, the NCDC reported 6,640 suspected cases and 822 confirmed infections spanning 105 Local Government Areas across 21 states. The disease, caused by the Lassa virus, remains a significant public health concern, especially in regions with poor sanitation and high rodent activity.
The World Health Organisation describes Lassa fever as a viral hemorrhagic illness primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission, especially in health care environments lacking proper infection control, is also common.
The NCDC said the number of confirmed new cases remained unchanged between Weeks 28 and 29, with infections still being reported in Ondo and Edo states.
A breakdown of the confirmed cases shows that five states account for 89% of the infections: Ondo (32%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%). The other 11% of cases were spread across 16 additional states.
The majority of those infected fall within the 21 to 30-year-old age range, with a median age of 30. The gender ratio among confirmed cases is 1 male to 0.8 female.
The report also noted that there were no new infections among healthcare workers during Week 29. Meanwhile, the national multi-sectoral Lassa fever technical working group continues to lead response efforts in collaboration with partners across all levels.
