924 confirmed cases and 172 deaths recorded in 2025 so far
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 13 new cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria within the 40th epidemiological week, covering the period from September 29 to October 5, 2025. The cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo States, which continue to be among the most affected regions since the beginning of the year.
This update was released in the NCDC’s latest Lassa fever situation report, published on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Lassa fever toll climbs with high fatality rate
According to the NCDC, the newly confirmed cases bring the total number of confirmed Lassa fever infections in 2025 to 924, with a corresponding 172 deaths reported across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This results in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6%, a sharp rise from the 17.0% recorded during the same period in 2024. The CFR indicates that nearly one in every five people diagnosed with Lassa fever this year has died from the disease.
In addition to the confirmed cases, the report stated that 117 new suspected cases were reported during the same week, bringing the total number of suspected cases for the year to 8,041.
Ondo, Edo remain epicenters of the outbreak
The NCDC noted that over 90% of all confirmed cases have originated from five states:
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Ondo
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Edo
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Bauchi
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Taraba
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Ebonyi
Ondo and Edo states, in particular, continue to serve as the epicenters of the Lassa fever outbreak. These states have consistently reported high numbers of infections due to a combination of environmental, ecological, and health infrastructure challenges.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats.
Person-to-person transmission can also occur through contact with the blood, tissue, secretions, or excretions of an infected individual, particularly in health care settings where infection control measures are inadequate.
Symptoms of Lassa fever include:
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Fever
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Weakness
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Headaches
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Muscle pain
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Chest pain and, in severe cases, bleeding from the mouth, nose, or internal organs.
NCDC intensifies response efforts
The NCDC emphasized its ongoing commitment to controlling the spread of Lassa fever across the country. Key response strategies include:
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Enhanced surveillance to quickly detect and respond to new cases
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Laboratory testing and improved diagnostics
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Risk communication campaigns targeting high-risk communities
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Infection prevention and control (IPC) training in healthcare settings
The agency also called on state governments, healthcare workers, and the public to remain vigilant, especially in high-burden states, and to report symptoms promptly for testing and treatment.
“Timely detection and supportive treatment are crucial in reducing the fatality rate of Lassa fever,” the agency said.
Public advised to adopt preventive measures
To curb the spread of Lassa fever, the NCDC urged Nigerians to adopt basic hygiene and preventive practices, including:
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Keeping homes and surroundings clean to prevent rodent infestation
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Properly storing food in covered containers
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Avoiding the consumption of rodents
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Using gloves and protective equipment when caring for infected persons
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Seeking medical attention promptly when symptoms appear
The NCDC also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in endemic areas, and to adhere strictly to universal precautions when managing patients.
Conclusion
As Nigeria continues to grapple with Lassa fever outbreaks annually, health authorities are stepping up efforts to limit the spread and reduce fatalities. With nearly 1,000 cases already confirmed this year, the public is reminded that early detection and prevention are vital in combating the disease.
