Fresh surveillance data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) shows that Lassa fever remained a major public health concern in 2025, with more than 1,100 confirmed infections nationwide.
The NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 51 (December 15–21, 2025) indicates that young adults were the most affected, with individuals aged 21 to 30 years accounting for the largest share of cases. The median age of patients was recorded at 30 years.
Males were slightly more affected than females, the report noted, reflecting differences in exposure risk and health-seeking behaviour in communities with high transmission.
A total of 206 deaths were recorded among confirmed cases in 2025, giving a case fatality rate of 18.4 per cent, up from 16.4 per cent in the same period of 2024.
During Week 51 alone, 21 new cases and five deaths were reported, down from 28 cases in the previous week, indicating a modest decline in new infections. Confirmed cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Kogi, Ebonyi, and Plateau states, while 21 states across 105 local government areas recorded at least one confirmed case in 2025.
The report highlighted that four states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba—accounted for 88 per cent of all confirmed infections, with Ondo State contributing 35 per cent of the national total.
The NCDC identified several challenges in outbreak control, including late presentation to health facilities, high treatment costs and poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.
The agency urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. It also called on state authorities to strengthen risk communication, community engagement and preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
The NCDC said it will continue to coordinate a multi-sectoral national response, including surveillance, case management, laboratory support, and infection prevention and control measures in affected and at-risk communities.
