Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 172 in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 172 people have died from Lassa fever in 2025, with 924 cases recorded across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas as of epidemiological week 40.

In its latest situation report released on Tuesday, the agency revealed that the case fatality rate has climbed to 18.6 percent, up from 17 percent during the same period last year. This indicates a concerning increase in both infections and fatalities linked to the disease.

The report showed that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi States accounted for 90 percent of confirmed cases, while the remaining 10 percent were distributed among 16 other states. During week 40 alone, the number of new confirmed cases increased from four in week 39 to thirteen—all originating from Ondo State.

The NCDC further noted that the most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8. It also highlighted that no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the review period, describing this as a positive sign.

The agency renewed its call for sustained vigilance, better hygiene practices, and prompt medical treatment, stressing that the recent spike in cases underscores the persistent threat of Lassa fever in various parts of the country.