The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 13 new cases of Lassa fever and four related deaths in the 40th epidemiological week, covering September 29 to October 5, 2025.
Gatekeepers News reports that in its latest situation report posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the NCDC said the new infections were detected in Ondo and Edo States, two of the country’s worst-hit areas since the start of the year.
According to the update, Nigeria has so far recorded 924 confirmed cases and 172 deaths across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 2025. The case fatality rate (CFR) currently stands at 18.6 percent, up from 17 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
During the week under review, the NCDC reported 117 new suspected cases, bringing the total number of suspected infections this year to 8,041.
The Centre noted that over 90 percent of confirmed cases have been reported from Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi States, which continue to serve as the epicentres of the outbreak.
“The NCDC remains committed to strengthening surveillance, laboratory testing, risk communication, and infection prevention and control activities nationwide,” the agency stated.
Health authorities also urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining clean environments, storing food securely, and avoiding contact with rodents, which are the primary carriers of the Lassa virus.
They advised individuals showing symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, chest pain, or vomiting to report immediately to the nearest health facility for early diagnosis and treatment.
The NCDC added that it is working closely with state ministries of health, development partners, and community stakeholders to ensure an effective response and improved care for affected persons.
