Lists epicenter states
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Lassa fever has claimed 168 lives across 21 states in 2025.
The agency ‘s situation report for epidemiological week 38, revealed a total of 4,543 suspected cases, of which 897 were confirmed positive, with a case fatality rate of 18.7 per cent.
It said four states – Ondo, Edo, Taraba, and Bauchi- remain the epicentres of the outbreak, accounting for 67 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo State alone has recorded the highest burden, followed by Edo and Bauchi.
The NCDC also listed Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Gombe, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Enugu, Delta, Anambra, Rivers, Borno, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).as states affected by the disease.
The agency said most of the confirmed cases were among people aged 21 to 40, with both men and women affected.
According to it,this age group is the most socially and economically active, making them more exposed to the rodent-borne disease.
Experts define lassa fever as a type of viral haemorrhage:Fever ( VHF ) – a group of viruses that can cause uncontrolled bleeding and contractable from humans or rats infected with lassa virus
It is common in West Africa. Symptoms include fever and headache .
Cases typically peak during the dry season, from December to April, but infections have continued throughout the year. The NCDC has warned that without stronger community awareness and control measures, the disease will remain a persistent public health challenge.
The NCDC emphasised that early presentation at treatment centres significantly improves chances of survival, as ribavirin, an antiviral medicine, is more effective when administered promptly.
While stating that community sensitisation campaigns are also ongoing to promote preventive practices such as proper food storage, environmental hygiene, and avoiding self-medication, the
agency called for stronger collaboration among states, communities, and healthcare workers to curb the spread
It urged citizens to store food securely, cover household waste, and reduce contact with rodents, which are the main carriers of the virus.
