The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, says the case fatality rate, CFR, of Lassa fever in 2025 has risen to 18.2 per cent.
So far, 976 confirmed cases and 178 deaths have been reported across 21 states and 102 local government areas as of epidemiological week 45.
Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba states recorded 87 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo reported the highest share with 37 per cent, followed by Bauchi 20 per cent, Edo 18 per cent, and Taraba 12 per cent.
The disease affects mostly young adults aged 21 to 30 years, with cases ranging from 1 to 96 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is about 1:0.8.
In week 45 alone, 10 new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo states. One healthcare worker was also affected during the week.
The NCDC said suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared with the same period in 2024, but the higher CFR shows that Lassa fever remains a serious health risk.
The agency continues to coordinate response activities across the country. Efforts include supporting training for healthcare workers, sharing jingles and key messages, distributing thermometers and other response materials, and holding after-action reviews to improve outbreak response.
The report also shows that only two states and six local government areas reported confirmed cases in the current week. Cumulatively, 21 states and 102 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case this year.
