Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 168 as Cases Hit 906 — NCDC

Published: October 3, 2025

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NCSC says 7,792 suspected cases recorded across 21 states, 106 LGAs.
Fatality rate climbs to 18.5% — higher than last year’s 16.9%.
Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi account for 90% of infections.

Nigeria’s battle with Lassa fever has deepened, with the death toll climbing to 168 and confirmed cases rising to 906, according to the latest epidemiological data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The report, covering January 1 to September 21, 2025, shows that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now stands at 18.5 per cent, a sharp increase from 16.9 per cent recorded in the same period last year.

NCDC confirmed that a total of 7,792 suspected cases have been reported so far across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas. In Week 38 alone, 11 new cases were recorded from Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states.

Regional Burden

Data indicates that infections remain heavily concentrated in five states. Ondo accounts for 33 per cent of confirmed cases, Bauchi 23 per cent, Edo 18 per cent, Taraba 13 per cent, and Ebonyi 3 per cent. The other 16 states combined make up just 10 per cent.

The disease predominantly affects young adults, with the median age of cases at 30 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.

Global and Local Context

According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral illness transmitted to humans primarily through exposure to food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly in healthcare settings without adequate infection prevention measures.

NCDC noted that while no new health workers were infected during the latest reporting week, the surge in deaths highlights continuing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s disease surveillance and response systems.

The agency stressed that its multi-sectoral Technical Working Group, involving government and international partners, continues to coordinate emergency responses across the affected regions.