NCDC confirms 506 Lassa Fever Cases, 95 Deaths In 12 States

‎Samuel EJIGA

The Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has confirmed 506 cases of Lassa fever out of 2,492 suspected cases, with 95 deaths as of February 23, 2025.

 According to him, the latest report, covering week eight of the year, also revealed that the disease has spread across 12 states and 70 local government areas, with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 18.8%.

The highest number of confirmed cases came from Ondo (160), Bauchi (122), and Edo (88). Other states with reported cases include Taraba (80), Ebonyi (15), Kogi (14), Gombe (11), Plateau (7), Benue (5), Nasarawa (2), Delta (1), and Cross River (1).

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, is transmitted primarily by the African rat (Mastomys species) and is most prevalent during Nigeria's dry season. The NCDC report also noted that in week eight, new confirmed cases increased from 38 in the previous week to 54, reported across Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states.

As of week eight, the total number of deaths stood at 95, maintaining a case fatality rate of 18.8%, consistent with the same period in 2024. 

Idris revealed that ammong the 506 confirmed cases in 2025, 73% were concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, while the remaining 27% were spread across nine other states.

The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years (with a range from 1 to 94 years, and a median age of 30). 

The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8. 

Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of suspected cases has declined.
 Additionally, one healthcare worker was reported to have contracted the disease in week eight. 

To manage the ongoing situation, a national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Lassa fever Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response activities at all levels.

SOURCE: PUNCH