The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 747 cases of Lassa fever in 2025 so far, with 142 deaths recorded across 18 states.
The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 19.0 per cent a marginal increase from 18.1 per cent reported during the same period last year.
Fresh infections continue to surface, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states accounting for eight new confirmed cases in epidemiological week 22. This figure is up from six cases recorded in the previous week.
“Five states alone are responsible for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases,” the NCDC revealed in its latest situation report. Ondo tops the list with 31 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent. Edo and Taraba each account for 16 per cent, while Ebonyi contributes three per cent.
Despite a slight decline in the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same timeframe in 2024, health authorities caution that the threat remains significant.
The NCDC says its multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains fully activated. The IMS is coordinating efforts among federal and state-level institutions, alongside development partners, to curb the spread of the disease.
As part of its strategic interventions, the agency has rolled out a dynamic risk assessment protocol for Lassa fever transmission. Risk communication messages have also been expanded to cover other viral haemorrhagic fevers.
“We are scaling up our national response with a focus on infection prevention and public sensitisation,” said the agency. “The public must remain vigilant by practising proper hygiene and safe food storage, particularly in communities most affected.”
In collaboration with DRASA Health Trust and funding from the Global Fund, the NCDC has launched an e-learning platform focused on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The platform is expected to bolster frontline capacity in health facilities.
Ten National Rapid Response Teams have also been deployed to affected states to provide on-ground support using a One Health approach, which addresses human, animal, and environmental health as interconnected systems.
Health facilities have received updated IPC guidelines developed with technical input from Germany’s Robert Koch Institute. These guidelines aim to reduce hospital-acquired infections, especially in high-burden areas.
According to the report, the NCDC is working closely with state IPC teams, treatment centres, and the Orange Network to ensure that standard precautions are rigorously enforced.
Medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, and body bags have been distributed to states and treatment centres as part of ongoing medical countermeasures.
The NCDC underscores the critical role of community engagement and public awareness in preventing further spread.
“Lassa fever is preventable,” the agency reminded Nigerians. “With early detection, good hygiene practices, and prompt treatment, lives can be saved.”
