Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises in Nigeria with 145 New Fatalities Reported by NCDC – July 5, 2025
Lassa Fever Surge: Nigeria Records 145 More Deaths, CFR Climbs to 18.6% – NCDC Weekly Report
Abuja, July 5, 2025 – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 145 new Lassa fever-related deaths, raising serious concerns over the worsening spread of the viral disease across the country.
According to the NCDC’s latest Epidemiological Week 25 update, the case fatality rate (CFR) has climbed to 18.6%, up from 17.6% during the same period in 2024.
Between June 16 and 22, a total of 781 confirmed Lassa fever cases were recorded out of 5,943 suspected infections spanning 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The most affected states include:
- Ondo – 31% of all cases
- Bauchi – 24%
- Edo – 17%
- Taraba – 16%
- Ebonyi – 3%
In the most recent reporting week alone, 10 new cases were confirmed in Ondo and Edo States, slightly up from the 8 cases reported the previous week.
Young adults between ages 21 and 30 remain the most impacted demographic, with men marginally more affected than women (male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8). The NCDC attributed the increase in fatalities to late presentation, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behavior. However, no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during this period.
The NCDC is urging citizens to maintain hygiene, avoid rodent-infested areas, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
