The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 76 new Lassa fever cases and 12 deaths across 10 states between January 20 and January 26, 2025.
This was contained in the week four epidemiology report released by NCDC recently , which indicated that the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 71 in epidemiology week three of 2025 to 76.
The report further noted that, cumulatively, 53 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (18.6%).
According to the report, Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi accounted for 75% of confirmed cases, with: Ondo reporting 37%, Edo 21%, and Bauchi 17%.
So far in 2025, a total of 53 deaths have been recorded, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3%, slightly lower than the 18.6% recorded in the same period of 2024.
Meanwhile, the National Lassa Fever Incident Management System (IMS) has been activated to coordinate response activities nationwide.
The NCDC however warned against late presentation of cases, emphasizing that delayed treatment, poor health-seeking behavior, and high treatment costs contribute to increased fatality rates.
The agency urged heightened surveillance, early detection, and preventive measures, particularly in high-risk states, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
It also confirmed that no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 4 (January 20th–January 26th).
