Health authorities have raised the alarm as 17 new Lassa fever cases and one death were confirmed in four states during epidemiological week 47, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The update was published on Tuesday on the agency’s official website as part of the Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epi Week 47.
According to the NCDC, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in 2025 has reached 1,089 with 179 deaths, slightly lower than the 1,095 cases and 179 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024. Nine local government areas were affected in the latest reporting week.
The report highlighted ongoing response efforts, including training for healthcare workers, community sensitisation, infection prevention and control activities, and the distribution of essential medical supplies such as ribavirin, thermometers, and personal protective equipment.
Challenges identified include late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, inadequate environmental sanitation, and low awareness in high-burden communities.
The NCDC urged states to strengthen community engagement on Lassa fever prevention and advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion to ensure timely referral and treatment.
Nigeria bears the highest global burden of Lassa fever, with the majority of cases reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi states, making it one of the country’s deadliest recurring outbreaks driven by rodent exposure, poor sanitation, and delayed health-seeking behaviour.
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