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No fewer than 80 people died from Lassa fever between February 3 and 9, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed.
This figure was disclosed in the latest Lassa fever situation report published by the NCDC on its website.
The agency noted that the new confirmed Lassa fever cases reduced from 68 in Epidemiological Week 5 to 54 in Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).
Despite the reduction in new confirmed cases, 80 deaths were recorded, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.4%, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (17.5%).
It also noted that cases of the disease were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Benue, Gombe, Kogi, and Ebonyi States.
The agency added that 11 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 63 Local Government Areas since 2025 began.
“Seventy-three percent (73%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi), while 27% were reported from eight states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 73% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 34%, Edo 21%, and Bauchi 18%.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 94 years, Median Age: 32 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.”
The agency also said it has embarked on some projects to address this epidemic.
Some of the response activities highlighted in the report include identifying areas of mutual collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch, conducting a Lassa fever risk assessment in preparation for the 2025 outbreak season, and sending Lassa fever alert letters to the states.
Others include conducting community surveys in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo and treating confirmed cases at identified treatment centres across the states.
