Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that at least 176 people have died from Lassa fever across 21 states in 2025.
According to the NCDC; Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba remain the epicentres of the outbreak, accounting for 88 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded so far this year.
In total, Nigeria has recorded 955 confirmed cases from 8,367 suspected infections.
While confirmed cases are fewer than those seen in 2024, fatalities have increased.
This year’s case-fatality rate (CFR) is 18.4%, compared to 16.6% during the same period in 2024.
NCDC said the deaths are likely due to poor health-seeking behavior among patients who seek medical intervention too late, as well as poor environmental sanitation in affected communities.
Eighty-eight percent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from four states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba), while 12% were reported from 17 states. Adults ages 21 to 30 years report the most infections.
Lassa virus is endemic in West Africa and spreads via contact with the urine or droppings of infected rodents.
Though not common, the virus can be transmitted person-to-person through direct contact with a sick person's blood or other body fluids, mucous membranes, or sexual contact.
