The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning over the rapidly deteriorating 2025 Lassa fever situation in the country as deaths from the disease jumped to 160, representing 18.7 percent CFR, the highest in years.
In its week 34 update, the agency revealed a deeply troubling rise in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR), now standing at an alarming 18.7 percent – up from 17.1 percent during the same period in 2024.
This sharp increase underscores a worsening epidemic that has already claimed 160 lives in 2025, reports Daily Independent.
The NCDC has described the trend as “worsening” and has called for immediate, coordinated action to halt the spread of the disease and prevent further loss of lives. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Despite a slight drop in new confirmed cases — three reported in Edo and Ondo states, down from five in Bauchi, Ondo and Edo in week 33 — the overall trajectory remains deeply concerning.
As of week 34, a total of 857 confirmed cases have been recorded across 21 states and 106 local government areas. A staggering 90 percent of these cases have emerged from just five states: Ondo (33 percent), Bauchi (23 percent), Edo (17 percent), Taraba (14 percent), and Ebonyi (3 percent). The remaining 10 percent were reported from 16 other states.
The most affected demographic is the 21–30 age group, with a median age of 30 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. While no new healthcare workers were infected in week 33, the NCDC emphasised that the number of suspected and confirmed cases has decreased compared to the same period last year — yet the fatality rate continues to climb.
The agency’s statement calls for intensified surveillance, enhanced clinical management, and robust public health interventions. The National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising multi-sectoral and multi-partner stakeholders, will continue to support response coordination at all levels.
With the CFR now dangerously high, the NCDC has urged state governments, healthcare providers, and the general public to remain vigilant and proactive.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria, poses a grave threat to national health security.
These latest figures serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for sustained investment in epidemic preparedness and disease control infrastructure.
