Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Lassa fever has killed 162 Nigerians in 2025, with the fatality rate soaring to 18.6%, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The agency’s latest situation reports for week 35 released Tuesday shows a grim contrast: while confirmed cases dropped to 871 this year, compared with 982 in the same period of 2024, more patients are dying once infected.
Suspected infections remain widespread, with 7,375 reported across 21 states and 106 local government areas.
The worst-affected states are Ondo (33%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (18%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%), which together account for 91% of all cases.
The NCDC says young adults aged 21 to 30 are most affected, with slightly more men than women.
“Fatality remains unacceptably high because many patients present late for treatment,” the agency warned, citing poor health-seeking behaviour, weak sanitation, and low awareness as major obstacles.
To curb the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed rapid response teams, boosted lab capacity, stockpiled Ribavirin, and trained health workers on infection prevention and case management.
A five-year Lassa Fever Strategic Plan (2025–2029) is also set for launch, focusing on upgrading treatment centres, community sensitisation, and early detection strategies.
“Timely diagnosis and access to treatment are the difference between survival and death,” the NCDC stressed, urging states to prioritise community engagement.
Lassa fever kills 162 Nigerians in 2025, fatality soars
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 