LASSA FEVER: Nigeria Records 145 Deaths In 2025 Says, NCDC

LASSA FEVER: Nigeria Records 145 Deaths In 2025 Says, NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 145 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025, as the nation continues its fight against the viral hemorrhagic disease currently affecting 18 states.

In its latest situation report for epidemiological week 24 (June 9–15), released on Friday, the NCDC disclosed that 766 cases had been confirmed from a total of 5,678 suspected infections.

The current case fatality rate stands at 18.9%, a rise from the 17.6% recorded during the same period in 2024.

According to the agency, five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, accounted for 91% of all confirmed cases. Ondo State alone contributed 31%, making it the epicentre of the outbreak.

While there has been a slight decline in newly confirmed cases (eight compared to 11 the previous week), the NCDC expressed concern over the persistently high death rate. It attributed this to delays in seeking medical care, poor health-seeking behavior, and unhygienic living conditions in high-risk areas.

To curb the spread, the NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states, intensified risk communication, launched environmental sanitation campaigns, and conducted training for healthcare workers in vulnerable regions.

The agency has scaled down its Incident Management System to an alert level and incorporated Lassa fever awareness into broader public health messaging.

It continues to advise Nigerians to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings and to seek immediate medical attention at designated treatment centres if symptoms such as fever, headache, or bleeding appear.

“The public is also encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and utilise the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) explains that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness mainly transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats. Human-to-human transmission can also occur via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or medical instruments.

Typical symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, muscle pain, headaches, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.