Nigeria has recorded 33 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Epidemiological Week 49, pushing the national case fatality rate to 18.2 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
In its situation report covering December 1 to 7, 2025, the NCDC said the new cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Edo and Taraba states, bringing the total number of confirmed infections nationwide this year to 1,069.
The agency also recorded eight deaths during the week under review, representing a weekly fatality rate of 24.2 per cent. Cumulatively, deaths linked to Lassa fever in 2025 have risen to 195.
Nigeria has so far recorded 9,041 suspected cases and seven probable cases this year. The current fatality rate of 18.2 per cent is higher than the 16.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024, indicating a worsening trend.
According to the report, 21 states and 103 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case. Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba states account for 89 per cent of all infections, with Ondo State remaining the epicentre of the outbreak.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 were the most affected group, although cases ranged from one to 96 years. Infections were slightly higher among males, while no new cases were recorded among healthcare workers during the reporting week.
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The NCDC said it continues to coordinate a national response through the Lassa Fever Technical Working Group, including healthcare worker training, infection prevention audits, community sensitisation, rapid response deployments, and strengthened laboratory and treatment capacity.
The agency urged Nigerians, especially those in high-risk states, to maintain proper hygiene, prevent contact with rodents, and seek early medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness or bleeding occur, stressing that early detection remains key to reducing fatalities.
