Nigeria is facing a deadly spike in Lassa fever cases, with the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealing 13 new confirmed infections this week—all from Ondo State, one of the country’s most persistent hotspots.
Since the start of 2025, 924 confirmed cases and 172 deaths have been recorded across 21 states and 106 local government areas, pushing the case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.6%, up from 17% during the same period last year.
Ondo remains the hardest hit, accounting for 35% of all cases, followed by Bauchi (22%), Edo (17%), Taraba (13%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining 10% of cases are scattered across 16 other states.
The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years, with men slightly more affected than women, at a ratio of 1:0.8.
In a bid to contain the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams to affected states, using a One Health approach that combines human, animal, and environmental surveillance. Several other initiatives are underway to strengthen preparedness and response against the deadly virus.
With Ondo now emerging as Nigeria’s Lassa fever epicenter, health authorities are warning the public to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines as the outbreak continues to escalate.
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