Lassa Fever Cases and Deaths Rise in Nigeria: NCDC Reports 747 Infections, 142 Fatalities in 2025

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over a continued spike in Lassa fever cases and fatalities, with 747 confirmed cases and 142 deaths recorded in 2025 so far—bringing the case fatality rate (CFR) to 19%, up from 18.1% during the same period last year.

This worrying trend was highlighted in NCDC’s latest Week 22 Situation Report (May 26 – June 1), which confirmed eight new cases across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states—a modest increase from six the previous week.

Hotspots and Transmission Zones

The viral hemorrhagic fever continues to spread, now present in 18 states and 96 local government areas nationwide. Alarmingly, 91% of all confirmed cases are concentrated in just five states:

• Ondo

• Bauchi

• Edo

• Taraba

• Ebonyi

These states remain the epicenters of Nigeria’s Lassa fever crisis due to environmental and healthcare challenges.

Health Worker Exposure and Response Challenges

The report noted no new infections among health workers this week and no suspected cases. However, containment remains difficult due to:

• Late diagnosis and reporting

• Poor sanitation and rodent exposure

• Delays in seeking medical attention

Government Response and Warnings

Health officials are intensifying public awareness campaigns, deploying response teams, and reinforcing infection prevention protocols in hospitals. The NCDC continues to urge:

• Early presentation at healthcare facilities

• Avoidance of self-medication

• Improved environmental hygiene to control rodent populations

“Community-level education and quick response remain critical in containing this outbreak,” health authorities emphasized.

What is Lassa Fever?

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, typically spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings.

As Nigeria faces a rising health threat from Lassa fever, the government and public health officials are on high alert. The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely while encouraging the public to adopt preventive measures to curb further spread.