Hussaini Ibrahim 
KANO, Nigeria – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 166 deaths from Lassa fever between January 1 and September 14, 2025, with the case fatality rate (CFR) rising to 18.5 percent, higher than the 16.9 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
The update, issued on Thursday by the NCDC, also revealed a total of 7,673 suspected cases and 895 confirmed cases across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas as of epidemiological Week 37.
“In week 37, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 13 in week 36 of 2025 to 11. These were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi, and Anambra States,” the agency said.
“Cumulatively, 166 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.5 per cent, higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024.”
The majority of confirmed cases—90 percent—were reported from five states: Ondo (33 percent), Bauchi (23 percent), Edo (18 percent), Taraba (13 percent), and Ebonyi (3 percent), with the remaining 10 percent from 16 other states.
The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral illness primarily transmitted via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.
Person-to-person transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.
The NCDC confirmed that no new healthcare worker was affected during the reporting week, and both suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to the same period in 2024.
The agency’s multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response activities across all levels, ensuring timely surveillance, case management, and public awareness.
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Mirian Gom 
