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Epidemiology

Nigeria Records 857 Confirmed Cases of Lassa Fever with 160 Deaths in 2025

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released data showing a decline in new confirmed cases of Lassa fever, although fatalities linked to the disease remain high. In total, Nigeria has reported 857 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 160 deaths in 2025, with a case fatality rate of 18.7 per cent, higher than the 17.1 per cent recorded in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria has reported a total of 857 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 160 deaths in 2025, with a case fatality rate of 18.7 per cent.
  • The majority of infections have come from five states: Ondo (33 per cent), Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent).
  • Young adults are the most affected by the outbreak, with the predominant age group of confirmed cases falling between 21 and 30 years, and a median age of 30 years.
  • No new health worker infections were recorded in epidemiological week 34.
  • The NCDC-led multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continued to coordinate response efforts, including clinical management training and distribution of personal protective equipment and other essential commodities.
  • Several challenges continue to undermine the response, including late patient presentation for treatment, poor health-seeking behaviour, and limited awareness of preventive measures.

Statistics:

  • 857 confirmed cases of Lassa fever reported in 2025
  • 160 deaths reported in 2025
  • 18.7 per cent case fatality rate in 2025
  • 33 per cent of confirmed cases from Ondo State
  • 23 per cent of confirmed cases from Bauchi State
  • 17 per cent of confirmed cases from Edo State
  • 14 per cent of confirmed cases from Taraba State
  • 3 per cent of confirmed cases from Ebonyi State
  • 1 to 0.8 male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases

Sources:

  • Premium Times (2025) - "Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports 857 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 160 deaths in 2025."
  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)

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