Tech & Tools DeskLassa Fever Claims 155 Lives in Nigeria Within Seven Months – NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that 155 deaths have been recorded from Lassa fever across the country between January 1 and July 20, 2025.
This figure reflects a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.9%, a rise from 17.1% recorded during the same period in 2024.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report covering epidemiological week 29, Nigeria has documented 6,640 suspected cases and 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Lassa fever as an acute viral illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in health facilities without proper infection prevention and control measures.
The NCDC noted that new infections in week 29 remained unchanged from week 28, with fresh confirmed cases reported in Ondo and Edo States.
“Cumulatively, as of week 29, 2025, 155 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.9%, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024,” the report stated.
Five states account for 89% of all confirmed cases so far in 2025:
- Ondo State – 32%
- Bauchi State – 23%
- Edo State – 17%
- Taraba State – 14%
- Ebonyi State – 3%
The remaining 11% of confirmed cases were distributed across 16 other states.
The most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with cases ranging from 1 to 96 years (median age: 30). The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8.
Despite the rise in fatality rate, the total number of suspected and confirmed cases has declined compared to the same timeframe in 2024. Additionally, no healthcare workers were infected in week 29.
The NCDC also reaffirmed that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate and support response activities at national and sub-national levels.
