Nigeria has reported five more deaths from Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease prevalent in West Africa, taking the total death toll to 100 this year, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC, which is closely monitoring the outbreak, reported an increase in confirmed cases. In its latest update released on Wednesday, the agency confirmed 236 new suspected cases, 29 new laboratory-confirmed infections and five more deaths in 13 states.
“As of the ninth week of 2025, 100 deaths have been documented, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7%, slightly lower than the 18.8% recorded in the same period in 2024. 13 states reported at least one confirmed case in 75 Local Government Areas,” the NCDC said.
Lassa fever is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, contaminated food, or exposure to body fluids of infected people, including healthcare workers. Symptoms range from mild fever and headaches to severe complications.
Despite ongoing control efforts by Nigerian health authorities, the disease continues to spread and has affected many areas across the country.