Lassa Fever
Nigeria has recorded 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 155 deaths so far in 2025.
This brings the country’s case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.9%, a notable rise from the 17.1% recorded during the same period in 2024.
At least 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas have reported one or more confirmed cases. Five states – Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi – account for 89% of all confirmed cases, with Ondo State alone contributing 32%.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says “Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities continue to drive high mortality.”
The agency has deployed 10 Rapid Response Teams to affected states and intensified community awareness campaigns in hotspot areas.
The disease disproportionately affects young adults, particularly those aged 21–30, and slightly more men than women (male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8).
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant during the rainy season.
“We must emphasise
rodent control, environmental sanitation, and early hospital visits*
at the first sign of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding,” the agency advised.
The public can use the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rats’ urine or faeces. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, and muscle pain.
