The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 674 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever from a total of 4,025 suspected cases between January and April 6, 2025. The cases span 18 states and 93 local government areas.
According to the latest situation report released by the NCDC, the outbreak has resulted in 127 fatalities, reflecting a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8%.
States with recorded deaths include Ondo (26), Bauchi (12), Edo (17), Taraba (31), Ebonyi (11), Kogi (4), Plateau (5), Gombe (7), Benue (4), Nasarawa (4), Kaduna (2), Enugu (1), Delta (1), Cross River (1), and Ogun (1).
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is primarily carried by the multimammate rat (commonly referred to as the African rat), though other rodents can also serve as carriers.
The report partly read, “In week 14, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 14 in week 13, of 2025 to 15. These were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe States. Cumulatively in week 14, 2025, 127 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.8 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (18.5 per cent).
“In total for 2025, 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 93 LGAs. 71 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Bauchi and Edo) while 28 per cent were reported from 15 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 71 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 30 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, and Edo 16 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 94 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.”
It noted that the number of suspected cases decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2024, and no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 14.
It added that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.