NCDC Reports Alarming Rise in Lassa Fever Deaths and Spread

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a concerning report, highlighting a significant increase in Lassa fever fatalities and the disease's expansion into more states across the country. The latest update, detailed in the Epidemiological Week 23 report (June 2–8, 2025) and published on the NCDC website, reveals a worsening outbreak.

Escalating Case Fatality Rate

So far in 2025, Nigeria has recorded 143 deaths from 758 confirmed cases of Lassa fever. This translates to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.9 percent, a noticeable increase compared to the 17.8 percent CFR reported during the same period last year. In the latest reporting week alone, 11 new cases were confirmed, up from eight the previous week, with new infections identified in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba states.

Geographic Spread and High-Burden States

Lassa fever has now been reported in at least one confirmed case in 18 states across 96 local government areas in 2025. However, a significant majority—90 percent—of all confirmed cases originate from just five states:

•  Ondo (31 percent)
•  Bauchi (25 percent)
•  Edo (16 percent)
•  Taraba (15 percent)
•  Ebonyi (3 percent)

Demographics of Affected Individuals

The NCDC report indicates that young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected demographic, with a median age of 30. Additionally, the outbreak continues to impact healthcare workers, with one new infection bringing the total number of affected health workers this year to 23.

Factors Worsening the Outbreak

Several critical issues are exacerbating the Lassa fever outbreak, as highlighted by the NCDC. These include:

•  Late presentation at healthcare facilities
•  Poor health-seeking behaviors
•  High costs of treatment
•  Low levels of sanitation
•  Lack of community awareness regarding disease transmission.

NCDC's Response and Intervention Measures

To combat the escalating crisis and mitigate further loss of life, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System. The agency has also deployed 10 Rapid Response Teams to the most severely affected states. Other crucial interventions include:

• Training of healthcare workers
• Launch of an online infection prevention and control platform
• Implementation of public awareness campaigns
• Initiatives to improve sanitation practices
• Collaboration with media partners to disseminate vital information.

Public Health Advisory

The NCDC strongly urges Nigerians to adopt proactive measures to prevent Lassa fever infection. Key recommendations include:

• Maintaining strict personal and environmental hygiene
• Seeking medical attention early if symptoms of Lassa fever appear
• Avoiding any contact with rodents, as these animals are primary carriers of the virus.

The disease primarily spreads through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats.