The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified its efforts to combat the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, which has resulted in the deaths of 122 individuals nationwide within the first quarter of 2025. As part of these efforts, the agency is monitoring 1,277 contacts of confirmed cases to prevent further spread of the disease.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, a total of 3,779 suspected cases of Lassa fever have been recorded across the country, with 659 confirmed positive through laboratory testing. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 18.5%, slightly lower than the 18.7% recorded during the same period in 2024.
The hardest-hit states are Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, which collectively account for 71% of all confirmed cases. Ondo leads with 30% of the cases, followed by Bauchi with 25%, and Edo with 16%. The disease has been confirmed in 18 states, affecting 93 Local Government Areas.
Lassa fever primarily affects individuals aged 21 to 30 years, although cases have been reported across a wide age range of 1 to 94 years, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is approximately 1:0.8.
The NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate response activities, including surveillance, case management, laboratory support, risk communication, and infection prevention control measures. Health authorities are urging Nigerians to maintain good hygiene practices and report any symptoms consistent with the disease, such as persistent fever, body weakness, headache, vomiting, or bleeding.
As of the latest report, 1,448 contacts have completed the monitoring process, while 20 healthcare workers have been infected across eight states this year. The NCDC continues to emphasize the importance of collaboration across all levels of government and with community stakeholders to curb the spread of Lassa fever and save lives.
