The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a rise in Lassa fever cases and deaths, reporting 747 infections and 142 deaths so far in 2025. The 19% case fatality rate is higher than the 18.1% recorded last year.
Eight new cases were confirmed between May 26 and June 1 across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states.
Hotspot States and Risk Factors
Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for 91% of all cases. The disease has spread to 18 states and 96 LGAs.
Experts blame the surge on late case reporting, poor sanitation, and limited community awareness.
NCDC Strengthens Response
The NCDC has deployed response teams, launched sensitisation campaigns, and activated e-learning for health workers.
Experts Call for Community Action
Dr. Solomon Chollom stressed the need for grassroots education on Lassa transmission, often caused by rodent contact. He warned of year-round spread due to urbanisation and poor hygiene.
The most affected age group is 21–30 years, prompting calls for awareness in schools, markets, and workplaces.
Lassa Fever Facts
Transmission: Rodents, body fluids, contaminated surfaces
Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, vomiting, bleeding in severe casesThe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a rise in Lassa fever cases and deaths, reporting 747 infections and 142 deaths so far in 2025. The 19% case fatality rate is higher than the 18.1% recorded last year.
Eight new cases were confirmed between May 26 and June 1 across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states.
Hotspot States and Risk Factors
Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for 91% of all cases. The disease has spread to 18 states and 96 LGAs.
Experts blame the surge on late case reporting, poor sanitation, and limited community awareness.
NCDC Strengthens Response
The NCDC has deployed response teams, launched sensitisation campaigns, and activated e-learning for health workers.
Experts Call for Community Action
Dr. Solomon Chollom stressed the need for grassroots education on Lassa transmission, often caused by rodent contact. He warned of year-round spread due to urbanisation and poor hygiene.
The most affected age group is 21–30 years, prompting calls for awareness in schools, markets, and workplaces.
Lassa Fever Facts
Transmission: Rodents, body fluids, contaminated surfaces
Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, vomiting, bleeding in severe cases
