Lassa Fever deaths in Nigeria have reached 155 in 2025 across 21 states, with 89% of confirmed cases from Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, says NCDC

Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria have surged to 155 in the first seven months of 2025, according to a statement released yesterday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja.

Also read: Lassa Fever Death Toll in Nigeria Rises to 152 in 28 Weeks

The agency confirmed that 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 105 local government areas. Alarmingly, 89 percent of all confirmed cases were reported from five high-burden states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi.

Of these, Ondo State accounted for the highest share with 32 percent of the cases, followed by Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%).

The NCDC noted that the predominant age group affected is between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8, indicating a slightly higher prevalence among males.

In a cautiously optimistic note, the NCDC said that the number of suspected and confirmed cases has shown a decline compared to the same reporting period in 2024.

Additionally, no new healthcare worker infections were recorded in week 29 of the outbreak.

To coordinate response efforts, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) is actively engaged across all levels, working closely with local authorities, healthcare professionals, and international partners.

Also read: NCDC reports 717 Lassa Fever cases in Nigeria

As Nigeria grapples with the persistent threat of Lassa fever, health officials continue to urge heightened awareness, early reporting of symptoms, and strict adherence to infection prevention protocols.