The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a worrying rise in Lassa fever cases, confirming 162 deaths across 21 states as of epidemiological week 35 (August 25–31).
In its latest situation report, published on Tuesday, the NCDC said 10 new confirmed cases were recorded during week 35, up from three cases the week before.
Fresh infections came from Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba states. Overall, Nigeria has logged 7,375 suspected cases and 871 confirmed infections in 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent—higher than the 17.1 per cent reported in the same period last year.
The NCDC identified Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi as the country’s major hotspots, together accounting for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo leads with 33 per cent, followed by Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (18 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), and Ebonyi (three per cent).
Most patients fall within the 21–30 age range, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. The agency admitted that while case numbers are slightly lower than last year, the risks remain dangerously high.
Late presentation at hospitals, poor health-seeking behaviour linked to treatment costs, and poor sanitation in affected areas were all flagged as key drivers of the high death toll.
Although no new healthcare worker infection was reported in week 35, the NCDC confirmed that 23 health workers have been infected since January. To bolster the fightback, 10 rapid response teams have been deployed to affected states, medical supplies including ribavirin and PPEs have been distributed, and surveillance efforts have been scaled up.
The agency also unveiled plans for a five-year Lassa fever strategic plan (2025–2029).
Nigerians, especially those in hotspot states, were urged to improve hygiene, control rodents, and seek early treatment to cut down fatalities.
The disease—endemic in Nigeria—is transmitted mainly through food or household items contaminated by rats, with human-to-human transmission common in healthcare settings without proper infection control.
With symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding, and in severe cases organ failure, Lassa fever remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest recurring outbreaks, particularly during the dry season between December and April.
