By Ireti Asemota.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 177 deaths from Lassa fever between January and early November 2025, with 966 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded across 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas as of epidemiological Week 44 (ending November 2).
The current Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 18.3% — higher than the 16.5% recorded in the same period of 2024 — indicating a deadlier outbreak despite fewer overall cases this year.
Key highlights from the latest NCDC report:
- New confirmed cases rose slightly from 11 (Week 43) to 12 (Week 44) in Ondo, Edo, and Benue states.
- 87% of all confirmed cases originated from just four states:
- Ondo: 36%
- Bauchi: 21%
- Edo: 17%
- Taraba: 13%
- The most affected age group is 21–30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
- Age range of confirmed cases: 1 to 96 years (median age: 30).
- No new healthcare worker infections reported in Week 44.
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or items contaminated by infected Mastomys rats, remains endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries.
The NCDC says the national Lassa Fever Technical Working Group continues to lead a multi-sectoral response, while urging heightened vigilance, early reporting, and improved hygiene practices especially in high-burden areas.
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