12 deaths, 76 new Lassa fever cases recorded in 10 states in one week – NCDC

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has disclosed that 12 deaths and 76 new Lassa fever cases were reported across 10 states in Nigeria between January 20 and January 26 2025.

This was contained in the week four epidemiology report released by NCDC on Friday, which indicated that the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 71 in epidemiology week three of 2025 to 76.

The report further noted that, cumulatively, 53 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.3 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (18.6%). It noted that in total for 2025, 10 States have recorded, at least, one confirmed case across 54 local government Areas.

“Seventy five per cent of all the confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while 25 per cent were reported from seven states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 37 per cent, Edo 21 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent.” The NCDC confirmed that no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 4 (January 20th–January 26th).

Meanwhile, the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) have been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.

NCDC, however, warned the public against late presentation of cases which often lead to an increase in Case Fatality Rate (CFR), in addition to poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever.