Lassa Fever Cases Decline, But Death Rate Remains A Concern – NCDC
Nigeria has recorded a welcome dip in confirmed Lassa fever cases, offering cautious optimism as the country heads into the final weeks of 2025.
However, health authorities warn that the disease remains deadly, with a rising fatality rate underscoring the need for sustained vigilance.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 51 (15-21 December 2025), confirmed cases dropped from 28 in week 50 to 21 by week 52.
The infections were reported across Edo, Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi, Plateau, Ondo and Taraba states.
Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 1,119 confirmed cases and 206 deaths so far in 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.4 per cent, higher than the 16.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
At least 21 states and 105 local government areas have reported one or more confirmed cases, with Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo accounting for 88 per cent of the total burden.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected demographic.
Encouragingly, no new healthcare worker infection was recorded during the reporting week, while both suspected and confirmed cases were lower than figures from the corresponding period last year.
The NCDC continues to urge Nigerians to maintain preventive measures and report symptoms early, stressing that timely detection remains key to reducing fatalities.
For further information or to report suspected cases, Nigerians can contact the NCDC toll-free line on 6232.
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