The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, says new Lassa fever infections in the country have declined, even as the cumulative toll continues to rise.
In its latest situation report, the Centre confirmed five new cases recorded between 11 and 17 August 2025, compared with 12 cases the previous week. The infections were reported from Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo states.
Cumulatively, 7,033 suspected cases and 854 confirmed cases have been recorded across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas this year.
The NCDC said “Sadly, 159 deaths have occurred among confirmed cases, representing a case fatality rate of 18.6 percent, which is higher than the 17.2 percent recorded in the same period in 2024.”
The report showed that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi states remained the worst affected, accounting for 90% of all confirmed cases. Ondo alone contributed 33%, followed by Bauchi with 23% and Edo with 17%.
It said that “The disease predominantly affects young adults aged 21 to 30 years, with a median age of 30. Males are slightly more affected than females, with a ratio of 1 to 0.8.”
The NCDC noted that no new healthcare worker was affected during the week under review, while contact tracing and monitoring continue across affected states.
To strengthen the response, the Centre and its partners have intensified activities including clinical management fellowships, clinician sensitisation, after-action reviews, and the distribution of thermometers for temperature monitoring.
The report also highlighted ongoing challenges such as late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to high treatment costs, inadequate sanitation, and low awareness in high-burden communities.
The NCDC urged state governments to sustain year-round community engagement, while healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for timely referral and treatment of suspected cases.
Despite the fall in weekly cases, the NCDC warned that vigilance remained crucial to reduce fatalities and prevent further spread of the disease across the country.