The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 811 cases of Lassa Fever and 152 related deaths so far this year.
In its latest situation report published Monday for epidemiological week 28, which covers July 7 to 13, the agency said 11 new infections were reported across Ondo, Edo, and Benue States.
The report noted that the current case fatality rate stands at 18.7%, a slight increase from 17.3% recorded during the same period in 2024.
According to the NCDC, five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for 89% of all confirmed cases nationwide. In total, 21 states have reported at least one confirmed case in 105 local government areas.
The agency highlighted major challenges contributing to the high fatality rate, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to high treatment costs, and poor sanitation and awareness in high-burden communities.
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In response, the NCDC has launched an environmental health campaign targeting these high-risk areas to reduce transmission.
The public is advised to watch for symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting, and hearing loss—and to report suspected cases promptly.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness endemic in West Africa.
It spreads primarily through contact with food or items contaminated by infected rodent droppings and can also spread from person to person in medical settings with poor infection control.