Nigeria is grappling with a sharp rise in Lassa fever infections, as the country records 11 new confirmed cases, bringing the total number of infections to 822 and the death toll to 155. These figures were reported in the latest update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), covering the period from January 1 to July 20, 2025.
The report highlights that as of Epidemiological Week 29 (July 14-20, 2025), Nigeria’s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stood at 18.9%, a concerning increase from the 17.1% observed during the same period in 2024.
According to the NCDC’s update, the total number of suspected cases in the country has now reached 6,640, with confirmed infections spanning across 21 states and 105 local government areas. Despite this, the number of new confirmed cases in Week 29 remained consistent with the previous week, with fresh infections primarily concentrated in Ondo and Edo states.
“Cumulatively, as of Week 29, 2025, 155 deaths have been reported, with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.9%,” the NCDC statement read. “In total, for 2025, 21 states have reported at least one confirmed case across 105 local government areas.”
The report also revealed that approximately 89% of confirmed cases were concentrated in five states: Ondo (32%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining 11% of cases were spread across 16 other states.
The most affected demographic is individuals aged between 21 and 30, though cases range from as young as 1 year old to as old as 96. The median age of the cases is reported as 30 years, with a slightly higher male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
In comparison to the previous year, the number of both suspected and confirmed cases has decreased. Furthermore, no new healthcare workers have been affected by Lassa fever during the reporting week.
The NCDC’s report concludes with a note of concern, acknowledging that despite the decrease in overall cases from last year, the persistent risk of Lassa fever continues to affect a significant portion of the Nigerian population.
