The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 142 deaths and 747 cases of Lassa fever across 18 states as of Epidemiological Week 22, 2025, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19%, slightly higher than last year’s figure for the same period.

The centre said in the report obtained by Vital News on Friday that new infections increased from six cases in Week 21 to eight in Week 22, primarily reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states.

“Notably, 91% of cases come from five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%).

“The most affected demographic is young adults aged 21 to 30, with a median age of 30, and a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:0.8.

“While suspected and confirmed cases have decreased compared to 2024, the NCDC remains vigilant.

“It continues to coordinate response efforts through a multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) and stresses the importance of public awareness, hygiene, and community engagement to curb the spread.

“To strengthen response efforts, the NCDC has deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams to affected areas using a One Health approach and launched an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform funded by the Global Fund.

“In partnership with the Robert Koch Institute, the agency has distributed IPC guidelines for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers to healthcare facilities and supports State IPC structures and treatment centers to reduce hospital-acquired infections.

“Training webinars for healthcare workers have been conducted in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states with WHO support.

“Medical supplies, including PPE, Ribavirin, and body bags, are being distributed to treatment centers.

“Surveillance, contact tracing, and active case finding continue, alongside collaborations with Georgetown University and other global health partners to combat the outbreak,” the report said.