Nigeria has recorded 739 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 141 deaths from January to 25 May 2025, according to the latest situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The viral haemorrhagic fever, which continues to pose a significant public health threat in parts of the country, was detected in 18 states and 95 local government areas during the period under review. The NCDC stated, “In total for 2025, 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 95 local government areas.”
Data from the agency show that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states alone accounted for 90 per cent of the total confirmed cases. Specifically, Ondo reported 224 cases, Bauchi 185, Edo 121, Taraba 116, and Ebonyi 21.
The situation has resulted in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.1 per cent, which is higher than the CFR recorded during the same period in 2024, which stood at 18.1 per cent. “Cumulatively in week 21, 2025, 141 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 19.1 per cent,” the report noted.
Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, with the multimammate rat—commonly found in West Africa—identified as the primary reservoir. Human infection typically occurs through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. In some cases, person-to-person transmission, especially in hospital settings, can also occur.
The NCDC’s weekly update revealed a slight decline in new cases. “In week 21, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 13 in epidemiological week 20 to six,” the agency said. These fresh infections were reported in Ondo and Bauchi states.
So far, 22 healthcare workers have been infected with the virus in 2025, underscoring the occupational risks posed to frontline responders. The most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30. The gender distribution shows a slight male predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8.
Aside from the top five states, other states with confirmed infections include Kogi (15), Gombe (14), Plateau (13), Benue (11), Nasarawa (five), Kaduna (three), Enugu (three), Delta (two), Cross River (two), Borno (one), Ogun (one), the Federal Capital Territory (one), and Anambra (one).
On the mortality front, Taraba state reported the highest number of deaths with 34, followed by Ondo (28), Edo (20), Bauchi (16), and Ebonyi (11). Other states with fatalities include Gombe (seven), Plateau (five), Benue (five), Nasarawa (four), Kogi (four), Kaduna (two), Delta (two), Enugu (one), Cross River (one), and Ogun (one).
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC said it had activated its national Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral incident management system. The agency said this would help coordinate the response activities at all levels, particularly in high-burden states.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, especially during the dry season months between November and May. Public health officials continue to urge communities to maintain hygiene, reduce rodent contact, and report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and bleeding to the nearest health facility.
