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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention () has confirmed that no fewer than 176 persons have lost their lives to Lassa fever across the country this year.
According to the Centre’s latest epidemiological report for Week 43, 2025, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has climbed to 18.4 percent, a sharp rise from 16.6 percent recorded during the same period last year.
Lassa fever, described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats. The disease remains endemic in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria.
The NCDC report revealed that a total of 955 confirmed cases have been recorded across 21 states and 102 local government areas so far in 2025.
It added that the number of newly confirmed cases rose from nine in Week 42 to 11 in Week 43, all of which were reported in Ondo State.
“Cumulatively, as of Week 43, 2025, 176 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.4 percent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (16.6 percent),” the report stated.
The NCDC further disclosed that Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States accounted for about 88 percent of all confirmed cases, while the remaining 12 percent were spread across 17 other states.
Health experts have continued to warn residents against poor hygiene practices, urging early presentation of symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and bleeding tendencies at health facilities.
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