The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 17 new cases of Lassa fever and one additional death across four states in Epidemiological Week 47 (Nov. 17–23).
The update, released on Tuesday through the agency’s official website, showed that Nigeria has recorded 1,089 confirmed cases and 179 deaths so far in 2025. This is slightly lower than the 1,095 cases and 179 deaths reported within the same period in 2024.
According to the situation report, nine Local Government Areas were affected in the latest reporting week.
The NCDC said ongoing response activities include training healthcare workers, intensifying community sensitisation, conducting infection prevention and control (IPC) exercises, and distributing essential medical commodities such as Ribavirin, thermometers, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
However, the agency identified major challenges hampering control efforts—late presentation by patients, poor health-seeking behaviour, weak environmental sanitation, and limited awareness in high-burden communities.
The NCDC urged state authorities to strengthen grassroots engagement on Lassa fever prevention and advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for early detection and prompt referral.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria, is primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated by infected rats. Human-to-human transmission also occurs, especially in health facilities with inadequate IPC practices.
Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding, and in severe cases, organ failure.
Nigeria continues to carry the world’s highest Lassa fever burden, with the majority of cases reported from Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi states.