The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released its epidemiological report for week 43 of 2025, providing crucial updates on the Lassa fever situation across the country. The report indicates that 11 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever were recorded in Ondo State during this specific week, marking an increase from the nine cases reported in the preceding week.

Cumulatively, as of week 43, Nigeria has experienced a total of 176 deaths attributed to Lassa fever nationwide. This figure translates to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.4 percent, which represents a notable increase compared to the 16.6 percent CFR recorded during the same period in 2024, highlighting a more severe outcome for infected individuals this year.

Throughout 2025, Lassa fever cases have been reported in 21 states, impacting 102 local government areas (LGAs). The report specifically identifies four states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba—as accounting for a significant 88 percent of all confirmed cases reported this year. Ondo State leads with 37 percent of these cases, followed by Bauchi with 21 percent, Edo with 17 percent, and Taraba with 13 percent. The remaining 12 percent of confirmed cases were distributed among 17 other states.

Demographically, the NCDC report indicates that the predominant age group affected by Lassa fever is between 21 and 30 years. The age range of confirmed cases spans from 1 to 96 years, with a median age of 30 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8, suggesting a slightly higher incidence among males.

Despite the concerning cumulative statistics, the NCDC observed a positive trend, noting a decline in both suspected and confirmed cases when compared to the same period in 2024. Furthermore, an encouraging development in week 43 was the absence of any new healthcare worker infections. To effectively manage and curb the spread of the disease, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues its dedicated efforts to coordinate comprehensive response activities at both national and subnational levels.