The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released its latest situation report on Lassa fever, revealing that 176 people have died from the disease so far in 2025. The outbreak spans 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas, with 955 confirmed cases out of 8,367 suspected infections

The case fatality rate has increased from 16.6% in 2024 to 18.4% in 2025, indicating worsening outcomes for infected individuals. The NCDC attributes this rise to late presentation of symptoms, poor health-seeking behavior, and high treatment costs in affected communities

Four states account for 88% of all confirmed cases:

State	% of Confirmed Cases
Ondo	37%
Bauchi	21%
Edo	17%
Taraba	13%

To bolster its containment strategy, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated that its multi-agency Technical Working Group—featuring the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the US CDC—is actively managing nationwide response efforts.

Medical personnel in Bauchi, Benue, and Ebonyi have undergone specialized training in case management, while public education initiatives, including radio campaigns, are underway in high-risk areas such as Ondo State.

In addition, the NCDC has introduced an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform to build the skills of frontline health workers and has supplied ribavirin and protective gear to designated treatment centers.

The agency reported that no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during epidemiological week 43.

It also highlighted ongoing research partnerships with Georgetown University, MSF, and the Nigerian Lassa Fever Vaccine Taskforce aimed at advancing vaccine development and improving outbreak readiness.

Finally, the NCDC called on state governments to intensify community outreach and sanitation efforts, and urged health professionals to prioritize early detection and prompt treatment of suspected cases.