NCDC Confirms 145 Deaths From Lassa Fever In 2025, Identifies Ondo As Epicentre

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 145 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025, as the country continues to battle the viral hemorrhagic disease across 18 states.

In its latest situation report for epidemiological week 24 (June 9–15), released on Friday, the NCDC said Nigeria recorded 766 confirmed cases out of 5,678 suspected infections.

The case fatality rate currently stands at 18.9 percent, a rise from 17.6 percent during the same period in 2024.

According to the agency, the most affected states are Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi — accounting for 91 percent of all confirmed cases. Ondo alone contributed 31 percent, making it the epicentre of the outbreak.

Despite a drop in new weekly confirmed cases — from 11 to eight — the NCDC expressed concern over the persistently high fatality rate. It attributed this to late presentation of symptoms, poor health-seeking behaviour, and unsanitary conditions in high-risk communities.