The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has revealed that the number of deaths recorded in the first four weeks of 2025 surpasses the figure recorded in 2024, with 48 deaths reported.
As of the first four weeks of 2025, it was noted on Thursday that 53 deaths had been recorded, according to a report retrieved from the NCDC.
About 191 suspected cases are being traced to combat the spread.
Lassa fever, which is spread by the common African rat, also known as the Mastomys rat species, has remained endemic in Nigeria and a few West African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
It is transmitted through exposure to contaminated food or household items.
Since the outbreak in 2016, the health agency has witnessed a significant increase in cases.
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The NCDC noted a recent outbreak in Nigeria across 54 LGAs in 10 states.
However, the health agency reported that about 1,171 suspected cases have been recorded, with 290 confirmed cases.
Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states have recorded 75% of the confirmed cases, while 25% have been reported across seven other states, disproportionately affecting individuals aged 1 to 94.
The NCDC stated, “Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 37 per cent, Edo 21 per cent, and Bauchi 17 per cent.
The World Health Organisation defines Lassa fever as an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family.
“Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures,” WHO stated.
