Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 747 confirmed cases, 142 deaths in 2025 – NCDC

Nigeria is currently battling a surge in Lassa fever infections, with 747 confirmed cases recorded between January 1 and June 1, 2025.

This figure is drawn from a total of 5,394 suspected cases, according to a report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The outbreak has now spread across 96 local government areas in 18 states, resulting in 142 deaths and a disturbing case fatality rate of 19 percent. The rising numbers have sparked concern among health officials and the public, especially as the virus continues to spread across more communities.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of infected rodents—most notably the multimammate rat, which is common in West Africa. In some cases, the virus can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate.

“Cumulatively as of Week 22, 2025, 142 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate of 19.0 per cent which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (18.1 per cent).”

“In total for 2025, 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 96 local government areas,” the NCDC stated in its latest situation report published on Thursday.

Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for the bulk of infections, contributing 91 per cent of confirmed cases. The NCDC detailed the breakdown as follows: “Of the 91 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 31 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, Edo 16 per cent, Taraba 16 per cent, and Ebonyi, three per cent.”

The report also noted that individuals aged 21–30 years make up the most affected age group, with cases ranging from one to 96 years old.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 96 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8,” the report added.

The death toll is distributed across several states, including Taraba (34), Ondo (28), Edo (21), Bauchi (16), and Ebonyi (11). Other states that recorded fatalities are Kogi (4), Gombe (7), Plateau (5), Benue (5), Nasarawa (4), Kaduna (2), Enugu (1), Delta (2), Cross River (1), and Ogun (1).

Confirmed infections were also documented in the following areas: Ondo (229), Bauchi (186), Edo (122), Taraba (116), Ebonyi (21), Kogi (15), Gombe (14), Plateau (13), Benue (11), Nasarawa (6), Kaduna (3), Enugu (3), Delta (2), Cross River (2), Borno (1), Ogun (1), Federal Capital Territory (1), and Anambra (1).

While the number of suspected and confirmed cases has declined compared to the same period in 2024, the NCDC emphasized that coordinated national response efforts remain active.

The agency said, “The national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System had been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.”