Nigeria has recorded 166 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025, as the outbreak continues to spread across 21 states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC), has confirmed.
The agency, in its epidemiological week 37 report, said the current case fatality rate of 18.5% is higher than the 16.9% reported during the same period last year.
So far in 2025, Nigeria has logged 7,673 suspected cases, of which 895 were confirmed and seven classified as probable. These were reported across 106 local government areas in 21 states.
For comparison, by the same period in 2024, the country had recorded 8,251 suspected cases, 1,005 confirmed infections, and 170 deaths spanning 28 states and 128 LGAs.
NCDC data shows that most infections affect people between 21 and 30 years old. The male-to-female ratio of confirmed cases is 1 to 0.8.
Between September 8–14, 2025 (week 37), Nigeria recorded 146 suspected cases and 11 confirmed cases, with two deaths across four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi, and Anambra.
Although new confirmed infections fell slightly from 13 the previous week, the week’s fatality rate stood at 18.2 per cent.
So far this year, 814 patients have been treated at different centres, and 23 health workers have been infected, though none during week 37. Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states remain the hardest hit, year after year, accounting for most cases.
The outbreak remains heavily concentrated in a few states, which together account for 90% of confirmed infections:
NCDC said it continues to lead multi-partner response activities nationwide. In recent weeks:
Lassa fever has plagued Nigeria since it was first discovered in 1969, reappearing every year and taking lives, especially in rural communities. The disease, spread mainly through rats, often overwhelms families and local health workers who struggle with late diagnosis and limited resources.
