This was disclosed in the agency’s epidemiological report for week 14, highlighting a notable decline in both infections and fatalities compared to the same period in 2024. Last year, 817 confirmed cases and 151 deaths were recorded by this time.
Key Highlights from the Report:
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Geographic Spread:
Lassa Fever has been confirmed in 18 states, spanning 93 Local Government Areas. -
States Most Affected:
Three states accounted for 71% of total confirmed cases:- Ondo State: 30%
- Bauchi State: 25%
- Edo State: 16%
The remaining 28% of cases were reported across 15 other states.
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Case Fatality Rate (CFR):
The CFR for 2025 stands at 18.8%, a slight increase from 18.5% in 2024. -
Demographics:
- Most affected age group: 21–30 years
- Age range of patients: 1 to 94 years
- Median age: 30 years
- Gender distribution: Male-to-female ratio is 1:0.8
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Current Week (Week 14) Update:
- New cases rose slightly from 14 in Week 13 to 15 in Week 14
- New cases were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe
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Healthcare Workers:
Encouragingly, no new healthcare workers were affected in the current week.
Overall Trends:
NCDC notes a decrease in suspected cases this year, suggesting improved detection, prevention, and response efforts. However, the persistently high CFR underscores the need for continued vigilance, especially in hotspot states.
The agency continues to urge Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with rodents, proper food storage, and seeking prompt medical care in case of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding.
Lassa Fever remains endemic in Nigeria, and experts emphasize that sustained public awareness, prompt diagnosis, and access to treatment are critical to reducing its spread and fatality.