Nigeria Records Drop In Lassa Fever Cases, But Death Rate Remains High
Despite a slight decline in new Lassa fever infections, the deadly virus continues to exact a heavy toll in Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), 11 new confirmed cases were reported in week 37 of 2025, down from 13 the previous week.
The latest infections came from Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi and Anambra States.
So far this year, 895 confirmed cases and 166 deaths have been recorded across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas, with a case fatality rate of 18.5%, higher than the 16.9% recorded during the same period in 2024.
The report reveals that five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi—account for 90% of all confirmed cases, with young adults aged 21–30 the most affected.
While the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower than last year, health officials warn that late presentation at treatment centres, poor health-seeking behaviour, and weak environmental sanitation continue to fuel fatalities.
The NCDC, in collaboration with partners, has intensified response activities, including training healthcare workers, deploying rapid response teams, and boosting community awareness campaigns.
Authorities urge Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents—the primary carriers of the virus—and seek early medical attention if symptoms appear.
