Sign in Subscribe
Epidemiology

Lassa Fever Cases Decline in Nigeria, Fatality Rate Remains High

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in new Lassa fever cases across the country, but noted that the fatality rate remains alarmingly high. The agency confirmed 5 new cases in Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo States, down from 12 the previous week. Despite the decline, the total number of confirmed cases in 2025 stands at 854, with 159 deaths recorded across 21 states and 106 local government areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCDC reported 5 new Lassa fever cases in epidemiological week 33 (August 11-17, 2025), a decline from 12 cases the previous week.
  • The fatality rate remains high at 18.6 per cent, higher than the 17.2 per cent reported in the same period last year.
  • Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi States are the top 5 states with 90 per cent of all cases, with Ondo accounting for 33 per cent of cases.
  • The most affected age group remains young adults between 21 and 30 years, with slightly more males than females affected.
  • Challenges persist, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.
  • The NCDC highlighted the need for early presentation, appropriate health-seeking behaviour, and improved environmental sanitation to combat the spread of Lassa fever.

Statistics:

  • 854 confirmed cases of Lassa fever reported in 2025 across 21 states and 106 local government areas.
  • 159 deaths recorded in 2025, resulting in a fatality rate of 18.6 per cent.
  • The case fatality rate for 2024 was 17.2 per cent, compared to 18.6 per cent in 2025.
  • Ondo State accounted for 33 per cent of all cases, followed by Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent).

Sources:

  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Situation Report for epidemiological week 33 (August 11-17, 2025)

Read more