Abuja, Nigeria— The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 717 cases of Lassa fever and 138 associated deaths across 18 states, as of epidemiological week 18 of 2025.
The figures were released in the agency’s latest Lassa fever situation report published Wednesday, revealing a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.2 per cent — an increase from 18.0 per cent reported during the same period in 2024.
According to the report, new confirmed cases declined in week 18, dropping from 11 recorded in week 17. However, the disease has spread significantly, affecting 93 local government areas within the 18 reporting states.
Three states — Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba accounted for 71 per cent of all confirmed infections. Ondo State recorded 30 per cent of cases, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, and Taraba with 16 per cent. The remaining 28 per cent were distributed among 15 other states.
Fatalities were reported in 15 states, with Taraba recording the highest number (34), followed by Ondo (27), Edo (19), and Ebonyi (11). Other affected states include Bauchi (15), Gombe (7), Plateau (5), Benue (5), Kogi (4), Nasarawa (4), Delta (2), Kaduna (2), Enugu (1), Cross River (1), and Ogun (1).
The NCDC noted that the majority of infections were recorded among individuals aged 21 to 30, with cases ranging from one to 96 years old. The median age of those infected is 30 years, and the male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.
Encouragingly, no new cases among healthcare workers were reported during week 18.
The NCDC emphasized that its National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains operational to lead coordinated response efforts across federal, state, and local levels.
It also reiterated the importance of early detection, prompt reporting, and sustained preventive measures, particularly in states with a high burden of the disease.
By Makinde oyinkansola| May 14, 2025
