The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has raised the alarm over the continued deadly impact of Lassa fever, reporting that 206 lives were lost in 2025 despite a slight decline in new infections.
The agency warns that the disease remains a serious public health threat across the country.
According to the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 51 (December 15–21, 2025), new confirmed cases fell from 28 in week 50 to 21 in week 51.
However, five deaths recorded during the week pushed the case fatality rate to 23.8 per cent for the period and 18.4 percent cumulatively for the year, higher than the 16.4 percent recorded at the same time in 2024.
“While the decline in new confirmed cases is encouraging, the persistently high fatality rate remains a major concern,” the NCDC said.
The 21 new cases reported in week 51 came from Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Kogi, Ebonyi, and Plateau states. Cumulatively, 21 states and 105 local government areas were affected nationwide.
Four states; Ondo (35 percent), Bauchi (25 percent), Edo (16 percent), and Taraba (12 percent), accounted for 88 percent of all confirmed cases, highlighting persistent hotspot areas.
Young adults remain the most affected, with the 21–30 age group recording the highest number of infections.
The disease has impacted Nigerians aged 1 to 96 years, with a median age of 30, and males slightly outnumber females at a ratio of 1:0.8.
The NCDC attributed the rising death toll largely to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and high treatment costs in high-burden communities.
“Late presentation continues to drive up mortality. Early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to survival,” the agency stressed.
No healthcare workers were infected in week 51, reflecting improved infection prevention and control practices. Sixteen patients were managed in treatment centres during the week, while 77 contacts remain under follow-up nationwide.
The NCDC highlighted its extensive 2025 response efforts, which included deploying 10 National Rapid Response Teams, expanding IPC training, conducting behavioural assessments in hotspot states, planning for vaccine development, implementing environmental response campaigns, and engaging in cross-border collaborations within the ECOWAS region.
Despite the lower number of cases compared to 2024, the NCDC urged vigilance as Nigeria enters the peak Lassa fever season. “States must intensify year-round community engagement on prevention, while healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion and ensure timely referral and treatment,” the report advised.
Reaffirming its commitment, the agency warned that without early care-seeking and improved sanitation, the virus will continue to claim preventable lives.
