Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in new Lassa fever cases but warned that the fatality rate remains “alarmingly high.”
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report for the week of August 11-17, 2025, there were five new confirmed cases, a decrease from 12 the previous week. The new infections were recorded in Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo states.
However, the NCDC noted that the case fatality rate for the year has risen to 18.6%, higher than the 17.2% recorded during the same period last year. So far in 2025, a total of 854 confirmed cases and 159 deaths have been reported across 21 states.
The public health agency said that 90% of all confirmed cases came from five states: Ondo (33%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%). Young adults aged 21 to 30 were the most affected age group.
The NCDC highlighted several persistent challenges, including patients presenting late for treatment, the high cost of care, and poor sanitation in affected communities. In response, the agency, in collaboration with international partners, has intensified its efforts, including sensitisation campaigns for healthcare workers, community awareness programmes, and the distribution of treatment supplies.
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