Lassa Fever Kills 206 in Nigeria During 2025

A major Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria resulted in 206 deaths last year, according to official data. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 1,119 confirmed cases in 2025. The deadly virus was suspected in 9,270 patients nationwide. Lassa fever is an acute viral illness endemic to West Africa. People usually become infected through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rats. The NCDC leads Nigeria's response to infectious disease outbreaks. The agency's report highlights the ongoing public health challenge posed by Lassa fever.