The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 145 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025 as the viral disease continues to affect 18 states across the country.
According to the latest NCDC report for epidemiological week 24 (June 9–15), Nigeria recorded 766 confirmed Lassa fever cases out of 5,678 suspected infections. The case fatality rate rose to 18.9 per cent, up from 17.6 per cent during the same period last year.
Ondo State remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 31 per cent of all confirmed cases. Other heavily affected states include Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, which together make up 91 per cent of reported cases.
Although new confirmed cases dropped slightly from 11 to eight in the last week, health officials are worried by the high death rate. The NCDC blamed late hospital visits, poor health awareness, and unsanitary living conditions in affected communities.
Efforts to control the outbreak include sending Rapid Response Teams to 10 states, conducting public awareness campaigns, improving environmental sanitation, and training health workers in high-risk areas. The NCDC has also reduced its emergency level to alert mode while incorporating Lassa fever warnings into broader disease prevention messages.
The public is urged to avoid contact with rats, which spread the virus through their urine and feces. Nigerians should seek prompt medical care if they show symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or bleeding.
Lassa fever is a dangerous viral hemorrhagic illness that can spread between humans through bodily fluids or contaminated objects. The NCDC continues to call on Nigerians to follow safety guidelines and use the toll-free line 6232 for information and help.
