The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 143 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 484 suspected cases between December 30, 2024, and January 12, 2025.
The cases span seven states and 32 local government areas, with 22 fatalities recorded, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 15.4%.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, the deaths occurred in Ondo (6), Edo (5), Taraba (6), Bauchi (2), Ebonyi (2), and Gombe (1).
“The number of new confirmed cases increased from 54 in the first epidemiological week of 2025 to 89 in week two,” the report stated. These cases were recorded across Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kogi, and Ebonyi states.
Cumulatively, the report revealed that 77% of confirmed cases originated from Ondo (38%), Edo (22%), and Bauchi (17%). The remaining cases were spread across four other states.
Lassa fever primarily affects individuals between the ages of 21 and 30, though cases ranged from 3 to 78 years, with a median age of 32 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.7.
The NCDC noted a decrease in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2024 when the CFR was 16.4%. Despite this, one healthcare worker was infected during the second reporting week of 2025.
The World Health Organization describes Lassa fever as a severe viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, often transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats.
Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with insufficient infection prevention measures.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated its National Lassa Fever Incident Management System to ensure coordinated efforts.
“This system brings together multi-partner and multi-sectoral support to enhance our response activities at all levels,” the report noted.
The NCDC urged citizens to maintain proper hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, and promptly seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, or general malaise, particularly in affected areas.
