Lassa fever has claimed 138 lives in Nigeria between January and May 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed.
In its latest report, the agency said Taraba State recorded the highest number of deaths with 34 fatalities, followed by Ondo (27) and Bauchi (15). The three states also accounted for most of the confirmed cases.
Out of 4,881 suspected cases, 717 were confirmed across 18 states and 93 LGAs. The NCDC said 71% of all confirmed cases came from Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba.
The disease mainly affects people between ages 21 and 30. Although the number of new cases dropped compared to the same period last year, the case fatality rate rose slightly to 19.2%.
Lassa fever is spread through contact with food or surfaces contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats. In severe cases, it can cause internal bleeding and death.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to improve hygiene, keep homes free of rats, and report symptoms early. It also called on health workers to remain alert and apply proper safety measures.
