Recent report from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the number of confirmed Lassa Fever cases decreased from 19 in Epi week 46 to 17 in Epi week 47 of 2025.
According to the report, the cases were reported in Edo, Bauchi, Ondo and Taraba state.
The agency stated that the cumulative total of confirmed cases recorded this year was 1012, 185 deaths and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3% (higher than 16.4% same period in 2024).
It added that 21 states recorded at least one confirmed case across 102 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Furthermore, it said 87% of confirmed cases were from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo State. Also, the predominant age group affected was 21- 30 years.
According to the NCDC, no new healthcare worker was affected in the week under review, and the number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported at the same period in 2024.
To combat the spread of Lassa Fever, the agency disclosed that it implemented a Lassa fever Environmental response campaign in high-burden states through the Federal Ministry of Environment.
It noted that late presentation of cases was a challenge as it led to an increase in Case Fatality Rate. Other challenges include:
“Poorhealth-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever. Poor environmental sanitation conditions observed in high-burden communities and Poor awareness observed in high-burden communities”.
NCDC therefore recommended 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.
Lassa fever is a viral illness spread by a rat found in parts of West Africa. People can get the disease by having contact with infected people, rats or their saliva, urine or droppings.
