The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Lassa Fever has claimed 206 lives in 2025, marking a significant health concern in the nation. The report, outlining the situation as of Week 51 (December 15 – 21, 2025), indicated a total of 1,119 confirmed cases, arising from 9,270 suspected instances nationwide.
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for this year has escalated to 18.4%, surpassing the 16.4% recorded during the same period in 2024. This rise in mortality highlights ongoing challenges in managing the outbreak.
Key findings from the NCDC report reveal that a staggering 88% of the confirmed cases are concentrated in four states: Ondo (35%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), and Taraba (12%). The total number of confirmed cases has decreased slightly, dropping from 28 in epidemiological week 50 to 21 in week 51.
The distribution of cases has been widespread, with confirmed instances reported across Edo, Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi, Plateau, Ondo, and Taraba states. Cumulatively, 21 states and 105 local government areas (LGAs) have been affected.
The report indicates a noteworthy demographic trend, with young adults aged 21-30 years accounting for the highest number of confirmed cases. The affected age range spans from 1 to 96 years, with a median age of 30. Males are slightly more impacted than females at a ratio of 1:0.8.
Despite the ongoing outbreak, the NCDC noted no new cases among healthcare workers reported in week 51. The Centre attributed the elevated case fatality rate to several factors, including late presentation of cases, low health-seeking behavior among the populace, and the high cost of treatment, particularly in communities with a high burden of the disease.
“Late presentation continues to drive up mortality. Early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to survival,” NCDC said.
The NCDC said that 16 patients were managed in treatment centres during week 51 while contact tracing efforts remained active, with 77 contacts currently under follow-up nationwide.
The Centre also highlighted extensive response measures carried out in 2025, including the deployment of 10 National Rapid Response Teams, training, and behavioural assessments in identified hotspot states, environmental response campaigns, and cross-border collaborations within the ECOWAS region.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the Lassa Fever outbreak, health authorities emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality rates and improve health outcomes across affected regions.
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