The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 506 cases of Lassa fever and 95 deaths as of February 23, 2025.
According to the NCDC’s situation report for week eight, the disease has spread to 12 states and 70 local government areas, with a Case Fatality Ratio of 18.8%.
The majority of confirmed cases were reported in Ondo (160), Bauchi (122), and Edo (88) states, accounting for 73% of all confirmed cases.
The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Lassa fever is an animal-borne or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat, also known as the mastomys rat species.
The disease typically spreads during the dry season in Nigeria.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate response activities at all levels.
The agency has also reported that one new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week eight.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to take preventive measures to avoid contracting the disease, including avoiding contact with rodents, keeping homes clean, and storing food in rodent-proof containers.
The agency has also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, and to adhere to standard infection prevention and control practices.
The NCDC has assured Nigerians that it is working closely with state governments, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
