The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 895 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 166 deaths across the country this year.
In its latest Situation Report for Week 37, covering September 8–14, the agency noted 11 new cases in Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi, and Anambra States. That figure shows a slight drop compared to 13 cases the previous week.
The cumulative Case Fatality Rate now stands at 18.5%, which is higher than the 16.9% recorded during the same period in 2024.
Lassa fever has been confirmed in 21 states across 106 Local Government Areas. But five states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi — account for nearly 90% of all cases.
Health officials said the disease continues to strike hardest among young adults aged 21–30 years. This group remains the most vulnerable, although no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the reporting week.
A Downward Trend, But Not Time to Relax
Encouragingly, suspected and confirmed cases are on a downward trend compared with the same period last year. Still, the high death rate shows the disease remains a serious public health threat.
The NCDC advised Nigerians to stay alert. “Avoid contact with rodents, store food properly, and seek medical attention quickly if you notice symptoms,” the agency said.
Lassa fever is transmitted mainly by contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of rats.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur in healthcare settings without proper infection control.
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