Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has recorded 12 new confirmed Lassa fever cases in epidemiological week 44 of 2025 — slightly above the 11 infections reported the previous week — bringing the total death toll to 177 so far this year, according to new data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The latest situation report, released Thursday, shows that the country has now logged 8,463 suspected cases, 966 confirmed infections, and an alarming Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3%, surpassing last year’s CFR of 16.5%.
NCDC says the trend remains worrying. “The situation is still concerning. We continue to see sustained transmission in multiple states,” the agency warns.
The 12 newly confirmed cases emerged from Ondo, Edo and Benue, reinforcing their status as persistent hotspots. Four states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba — account for 87% of all confirmed infections, with Ondo alone bearing the highest burden.
Most patients fall within the 21–30 age group, and the male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8. No healthcare worker infections were recorded this week.
To boost preparedness, NCDC has deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams, expanded case-management training in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and launched a new Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform. The agency has also completed several After-Action Reviews and intensified community risk communication.
NCDC highlights late presentation at health facilities, low public awareness, poor sanitation, and treatment costs as key drivers of fatalities.
The agency urges state governments and communities to prioritise early referral, rapid diagnosis, and sustained investment in outbreak response capacity.
“Late presentation at health facilities continues to drive the high fatality rate,” the NCDC warns.
About the Author
Juliet Jacob 
