The NCDC has reported 172 de@ths and 924 Lassa fever cases across 21 states in 2025.
It warned that infections are rising, with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo among the worst-hit states.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 172 people have d!ed from Lassa fever in 2025, with 924 infections recorded across 21 states and 106 local government areas as of week 40 of the epidemiological calendar.
In its latest report released on Tuesday, the agency said the case fatality rate has increased to 18.6 percent, compared to 17 percent during the same period in 2024. The rise, it added, reflects a worrying escalation in both cases and de@ths linked to the disease.
The NCDC revealed that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi States accounted for 90 percent of all confirmed cases, while the remaining 10 percent were distributed among 16 other states. It noted that the number of new confirmed cases climbed from four in week 39 to thirteen in week 40, all recorded in Ondo State.
The agency further stated that people aged between 21 and 30 years remain the most affected, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8. It also confirmed that no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the period a development described as encouraging.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain high standards of hygiene, seek early medical attention, and remain vigilant, stressing that the latest surge in infections shows that Lassa fever continues to pose a significant public health threat in several parts of the country.
