The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released the Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 43 (20th–26th October 2025).
According to the report, 11 new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo State, marking an increase from 9 cases reported in week 42. One death was recorded during the week, representing a case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.1%.
Cumulatively in 2025, 955 confirmed cases, 7 probable cases, and 176 deaths have been reported across 21 states and 102 local government areas, with a CFR of 18.4% higher than the 16.6% recorded during the same period in 2024.
Four states Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba account for 88% of all confirmed cases this year, with Ondo State alone contributing 37%. The most affected age group remains 21–30 years, and the male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
No new healthcare worker infection was recorded in the reporting week. The National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the national response.
Ongoing response efforts include training of healthcare workers, after-action reviews, environmental sanitation campaigns, and risk communication across high-burden states. However, challenges persist, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate sanitation in affected communities.
The NCDC urges states to intensify community engagement, healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, and partners to strengthen surveillance and response systems.
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