The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states as the epicentres of the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, which has accounted for more than 70 percent of the confirmed cases reported so far in 2025. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, made this announcement during a briefing with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
Dr. Idris revealed that between January and the end of March 2025, the three states—Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo—contributed to 71 percent of the 660 confirmed Lassa fever cases, with Ondo accounting for 30 percent, Bauchi 25 percent, and Edo 16 percent. Additionally, 122 deaths have been recorded, resulting in a case fatality rate of 18.5 percent, which is slightly higher than the 17.5 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
In response to the surge in cases, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System at the national level and intensified efforts to manage the outbreak. Dr. Idris explained that the response focuses on early detection, case management, risk communication, and community engagement, especially in the affected local government areas. “The transmission remains active in multiple local government areas, with 28 states and 125 LGAs affected this year,” he noted.
To curb the spread of the disease, the NCDC has deployed National Rapid Response Teams to hotspots, trained healthcare workers on infection prevention and control, and increased community sensitisation efforts. Dr. Idris emphasised the importance of early presentation to healthcare facilities in order to reduce fatalities.
The NCDC is also collaborating with key partners, including the World Health Organisation, to support ongoing research and response efforts.
