Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 145 – NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that the death toll from Lassa fever in 2025 has risen to 145, following two new fatalities recorded between June 9 and 15.
This was disclosed on Friday in the agency’s latest situation report for epidemiological week 24, which also revealed that 766 cases have been confirmed from 5,678 suspected infections across 18 states.
According to the report, the case fatality rate now stands at 18.9 per cent, up from 17.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states were listed as the most affected, accounting for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases.
Ondo alone contributed 31 per cent, making it the epicentre of the outbreak.
While new weekly infections declined to eight from 11 recorded the previous week, the NCDC expressed concern over the persistently high fatality rate.
The agency attributed this trend to “late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and unsanitary living conditions in high-burden communities.”
The report also confirmed that one health worker in Osun State had been infected.
To curb the spread, the NCDC said it had deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states and was intensifying risk communication, environmental sanitation campaigns, and training of health workers in vulnerable areas.
The agency added that it had scaled down its Incident Management System to “alert mode” and integrated Lassa fever awareness into broader disease prevention campaigns.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.
It can also spread through bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and infected medical equipment.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
The NCDC urged the public to “avoid contact with rodents and to seek prompt medical care at designated treatment centres at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, headache, or bleeding.”
It also called on Nigerians to “maintain good personal hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions.”
“The public is also encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and utilise the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” the agency said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
