The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 145 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025, as the country continues to battle the viral hemorrhagic disease across 18 states.
In its latest situation report for epidemiological week 24 (June 9–15), released on Friday, the NCDC said 766 cases had been confirmed from 5,678 suspected infections.
Read More:NCDC Confirms Lassa Fever Surge Despite Response Efforts
The current case fatality rate stands at 18.9 per cent, a rise from 17.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
The most affected states, according to the report, are Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, which collectively account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases. Ondo State alone contributed 31 per cent, making it the epicentre of the outbreak.
Despite a slight decline in new confirmed cases—dropping to eight from 11 the previous week—the agency expressed concern over the persistently high fatality rate. It attributed this to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and unsanitary living conditions in high-burden areas.
In response, the NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states, intensified risk communication efforts, conducted environmental sanitation campaigns, and trained health workers in high-risk communities.
The agency has also de-escalated its Incident Management System to alert mode and integrated Lassa fever awareness into broader disease prevention campaigns.
The NCDC urged the public to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention at the onset of symptoms such as fever, headache, or unexplained bleeding.
“The public is encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and contact the toll-free line 6232 for any inquiries,” the agency stated.
Lassa fever, according to the News reporter,is primarily transmitted through contact with urine or in faeces of infected rats. It can also spread via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.