The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the nation recorded
1119 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever, 206 deaths and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.4%.
This was contained in the published Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 51 (15th – 21st December, 2025).
According to the report, the total number of confirmed cases decreased from 28 in Epi week 50 to 21 in Epi week 52. The cases were reported in Edo, Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi, Plateau, Ondo and Taraba state.
“Cumulative for week 51 (2025) total: 1119 confirmed cases, 206 deaths, CFR 18.4% (higher than 16.4% same period in 2024). 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 105 LGAs. 88% of confirmed cases are from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo State”, the NCDC said.
The agency disclosed that the predominant age group affected was 21- 30 years. No new healthcare worker was affected in the week under review.
Furthermore, the number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported at the same period in 2024
NCDC however stated that late presentation of cases was leading to an increase in CFR. Poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever was also another key challenge.
In addition, poor environmental sanitation and poor awareness conditions were observed in high-burden communities.
Therefore, they suggested that states bolster efforts all-year-round for community engagements on prevention of Lassa fever. Also, Healthcare Workers should maintain high suspicion for Lassa fever and initiate timely referral and treatment.
In addition, NCDC and Partners should
strengthen state capacity to prevent, detect and respond timely to Lassa fever.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever common in West Africa, caused by the Lassa virus spread by infected rodents, leading to symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, and sometimes bleeding.
It is transmitted primarily through contact with the urine, faeces, or blood of infected multimammate rats, often via contaminated food or surfaces, and also through person-to-person spread via infected bodily fluids (saliva, blood, urine, semen).
