Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 145 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025, with 766 confirmed cases reported from 5,678 suspected infections across 18 states.
The NCDC in its lastest situation report for epidemiology week 24 (June 9-15), said the case fatality rate stands at 18.9%, up from 17.6% during the same period in 2024.
It said Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi are the most affected states, accounting for 91% of confirmed cases, with Ondo alone contributing 31%.
The high fatality rate according to the NCDC is attributed to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and unsanitary living conditions in high-burden communities.
The NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states, conducted risk communication, environmental sanitation campaigns, and trained health workers in high-risk areas.
The agency has also appealed to the public to avoid contact with rodents, seek prompt medical care at designated treatment centers, and maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats, and can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to follow its advisories and utilize the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries.