The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 674 cases of Lassa fever and 127 deaths across 18 states between January and April 6, 2025.
NCDC said the deaths stand at 18.8% — a marginal rise from 18.5% recorded during the same period last year.
The data, released in the NCDC’s Tuesday situation report, revealed the persistent threat of the viral disease.
Case Breakdown
The report noted that health officials reported 4,025 suspected cases nationwide, while the NCDC confirmed 674 across 93 local government areas (LGAs).”
It added that six states of Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe accounted for 15 new cases and 5 deaths in the latest reporting week.
The report said Ondo has 5 cases, Bauchi (5), Edo (2), Taraba (1), Ebonyi (1), and Gombe (1).
It added that 71% of all confirmed cases originated in Ondo (30%), Bauchi (25%), and Edo (16%).
According to the report, young adults aged 21–30 are the hardest-hit group, linked to low awareness, poor sanitation, and prohibitive treatment costs.
Response Measures
The NCDC said it has deployed its rapid response teams to high-burden states and has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS).
It added that medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and antiviral drugs, have been distributed to treatment centres.
The centre reported that no new infections among health workers were recorded in the past week, a positive development given the risks faced by frontline responders.
While calling for vigilance, the NCDC urged Nigerians to remain conscious and adhere to preventive measures.
The centre also advised citizens to avoid contact with rodents, maintain clean environments, and promptly seek medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headache, or unexplained bleeding occur.
It noted that the fight against Lassa fever requires collective responsibility, calling on everyone to take preventive measures.
“This outbreak demands collective responsibility,” the agency stressed, advocating enhanced sanitation and nationwide health awareness.
, Edo (2), Taraba (1), Ebonyi (1), and Gombe (1).){kind=link}