The toll of Lassa fever rises to 118 deaths in Nigeria in 2025.
The number of deaths due to Lassa fever has reached 118 in Nigeria since the beginning of the year, health authorities have reported.
In the first quarter, the country recorded 3,465 suspected cases, of which 645 were confirmed through laboratory tests, leading to a mortality rate of 18.3%, according to the director of communications at the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) during a press conference.
Additionally, 20 healthcare workers have been infected by the virus, with 8 cases reported in Ondo State. In light of this alarming situation, the NCDC has called for enhanced collaboration between the government and the private sector to control the outbreak and improve health infrastructure.
“The prevention of Lassa fever requires a collective effort. While the NCDC and state governments lead the response, every Nigerian must play their part in limiting the spread of the virus,” emphasized the center’s director.
Lassa fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through food or objects contaminated by rodents. Young adults, particularly those aged 21 to 30, are the most affected demographic in Nigeria.
