NCDC records 13 new Lassa Fever cases as death toll rises in 2025

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 13 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever during the 40th epidemiological week, covering September 29 to October 5, 2025.

According to the NCDC’s latest situation report shared on its official X handle, the new infections were recorded in Ondo and Edo States, two of the regions most affected by the disease this year.

With this update, Nigeria has now recorded a total of 924 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 172 deaths across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 2025. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) currently stands at 18.6 percent, up from 17.0 percent during the same period in 2024.

In addition, 117 new suspected cases were reported during the week, bringing the total suspected cases for the year to 8,041. The NCDC noted that over 90 percent of confirmed cases have been reported from Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi States, which remain the outbreak’s epicentres.

The Centre emphasized its ongoing commitment to strengthening surveillance, laboratory testing, risk communication, and infection prevention and control measures nationwide to prevent further spread.

Health authorities urged Nigerians to adopt preventive practices such as maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents, and storing food safely. They also advised anyone exhibiting symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, chest pain, or vomiting to seek immediate medical attention for early diagnosis and treatment.

The NCDC reaffirmed that coordinated efforts with state ministries of health, development partners, and community stakeholders are ongoing to ensure effective care and response for affected individuals.