The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised the alarm over an increase in Lassa fever deaths in 2025, even though the total number of cases is lower than what was recorded in 2024.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report (Week 31), covering up to August 3, 2025, the country has recorded 836 confirmed cases and 156 deaths this year. This puts the fatality rate at 18.7 percent, compared to 17.3 percent during the same period in 2024.
In the past week alone, nine new cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Taraba States—an increase from three cases the previous week.
So far in 2025, there have been 6,851 suspected cases across 21 states and 105 local government areas. Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo remain the most affected, contributing 33%, 23%, and 17% of confirmed cases respectively. Taraba and Ebonyi States follow with 14% and 3%.
The disease mostly affects people aged between 21 and 30, and slightly more men than women have been infected.
The NCDC linked the rising number of deaths to delays in seeking medical help, high treatment costs, and poor sanitation in affected areas. It has deployed National Rapid Response Teams and distributed medical tools to boost detection and response. Health workers in high-burden states like Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue are also receiving additional training.
Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, and the NCDC has urged state governments to engage their communities regularly, not just during outbreaks.
Despite fewer confirmed cases than last year, the rising death toll highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare access, early detection, and stronger public health systems to save lives.
