The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an alarming increase in the fatality rate of Lassa fever as the disease continues to spread across multiple states in Nigeria, with new confirmed cases and rising death tolls.
According to the latest situation report for Epidemiological Week 23 (June 2-8, 2025) released on Wednesday, Nigeria has recorded 143 deaths from 758 confirmed Lassa fever cases so far this year, translating to a case fatality rate of 18.9 percent—higher than the 17.8 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
The report indicates that 11 new confirmed cases were reported in the week under review, an increase from eight cases recorded in the previous week. These new cases were detected in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States.
Geographic Distribution of Cases
The NCDC revealed that 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever in 2025, with the disease spreading across 96 Local Government Areas. However, 90 percent of all confirmed cases were concentrated in just five states: Ondo (31 percent), Bauchi (25 percent), Edo (16 percent), Taraba (15 percent), and Ebonyi (3 percent).
Young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected demographic group, with a median age of 30. The agency also reported one new healthcare worker infection in the reporting week, bringing the total number of affected health workers in 2025 to 23.
Challenges Fueling the Outbreak
The NCDC identified several factors contributing to the continued spread of Lassa fever, including:
Late presentation of cases at healthcare facilities
Poor health-seeking behavior among affected populations
High cost of treatment
Inadequate sanitation in affected communities
Low awareness about the disease and prevention measures
Response Measures
To curb the spread and reduce deaths, the NCDC has implemented several response measures, including:
Activation of a multi-sectoral Incident Management System
Deployment of 10 Rapid Response Teams to states with the highest disease burden
Training of health workers on case management
Launch of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform
Community sensitization campaigns
Environmental response interventions
Media outreach in collaboration with stakeholders
BenriNews reports that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats. The NCDC has urged Nigerians to maintain high hygiene standards, seek medical attention early when symptomatic, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, which are known vectors of the disease.
Stay informed about this developing health situation by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
