By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Lassa fever has killed 155 Nigerians in 2025, with the fatality rate rising to 18.9%, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), reports.
This marks an increase from the 17.1% recorded during the same period in 2024.
As of July 20, 822 confirmed cases were reported across 21 states, with 89% of infections found in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi. Most victims are young adults aged 21 to 30.
Although overall cases have slightly declined from last year, the growing death toll signals the virus’s increasing severity.
The NCDC warns that Lassa fever is mainly spread through contact with infected rodents and human-to-human transmission.
