Lassa Fever Deaths Reach 177 as Nigeria Sees Surge in Infections - NCDC

The nation has reported 8,463 suspected cases, 966 confirmed infections, and seven possible cases in 21 states and 102 Local Government Area...

The nation has reported 8,463 suspected cases, 966 confirmed infections, and seven possible cases in 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas.

Nigeria has noted a minor rise in new Lassa fever cases, with 12 confirmed instances documented in epidemiological week 44 of 2025, as opposed to 11 cases reported in the prior week.

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and PreventionThe NCDC, in its situation report published on Thursday, stated that the most recent cases were identified in Ondo, Edo, and Benue States, indicating ongoing spread in major areas with high infection rates.

The NCDC reported that by the end of week 44, a total of 177 fatalities had been recorded, indicating a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 percent.

This number is higher than the 16.5 percent CFR documented during the same time in 2024. The nation has recorded 8,463 suspected cases, 966 confirmed infections, and seven probable cases across 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas.

Even though the total number of suspected and verified cases is less than the cumulative figures recorded in 2024, the agency cautioned that spread is still extensive, with multiple states still experiencing ongoing transmission.

Four states contributing to the spread of infection

The NCDC stated that four states, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba, made up 87 percent of all confirmed cases reported in 2025.

Ondo had the largest share at 36 percent, followed by Bauchi with 21 percent, Edo with 17 percent, and Taraba with 13 percent.

The majority of those impacted are still people between the ages of 21 and 30, although there were cases spanning from one to 96 years old, with a median age of 30.

The proportion of males to females among confirmed cases was 1 to 0.8.

The NCDC reported that no healthcare worker infections were noted during week 44.

Ongoing response efforts

The National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG), along with national and international collaborators, maintained extensive response efforts throughout the country.

Throughout the reporting week, the agency enhanced its collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Students' Association (NiMSA) to promote and disseminate prevention and control information.

It also took part in a bilateral meeting with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland to discuss potential areas of cooperation in anticipation of a possible increase in cases.

The era also involved the completion of several After Action Reviews (AARs) for the 2024/2025 outbreak season in Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi States.

Furthermore, the NCDC implemented S.O.A.R analysis during a capacity development workshop focused on strategic planning and consistently distributed Lassa fever radio jingles to stakeholders to enhance public awareness.

The organization also supported discussions regarding the national Lassa fever vaccine access strategy and participated in the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference held in Côte d'Ivoire.

Additional follow-up actions involved sending 10 National Rapid Response Teams to the impacted states, launching the NCDC's Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) online learning platform, and distributing revised Viral Haemorrhagic Fever IPC guidelines to medical facilities.

Lagos State distributed thermometers to contacts for temperature tracking, while health professionals in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue underwent further case management training backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The INTEGRATE medical study also began in Ondo State, with assistance from local and global research collaborators.

The organization kept providing critical supplies including personal protective gear, Ribavirin, body bags, hand sanitizers, and thermometers to the states that were impacted.

It further enhanced continuous scientific efforts, such as a quarterly review and blood collection activity at specific treatment locations, and aided in the creation of a community-focused One Health empowerment approach.

Community-specific communication approaches were also created using the latest survey results, with further awareness initiatives carried out via radio and environmental health programs in areas with significant disease prevalence.

Challenges

Nevertheless, the NCDC pointed out a number of issues that still hinder the country's response.

Leading the chart is the delayed presentation of cases at healthcare facilities, which plays a major role in the increasing death rate.

The organization noted that limited efforts to seek medical care, primarily due to the expensive nature of treatment, continues to be a significant issue.

It also highlighted ongoing problems with inadequate environmental hygiene and limited awareness in communities heavily affected.

Recommendations

In response to these issues, the NCDC called on states to increase community involvement and health awareness initiatives all year round.

It urged healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and to guarantee prompt referral and timely commencement of therapy.

The organization also highlighted the importance of ongoing funding for state-level capabilities to identify, stop, and quickly address Lassa fever outbreaks.

Lassa fever

Lassa fever is a sudden viral bleeding illness triggered by the Lassa virus, which spreads to people mainly through contact with food or household objects that have been tainted by the urine or feces of infected rats.

It may also transmit between individuals via contact with body fluids.

The illness typically starts with symptoms like fever, fatigue, and a headache, and can advance to more serious conditions including hemorrhaging, breathing difficulties, swelling, and failure of internal organs.

Early detection and timely administration of Ribavirin are essential for enhancing survival rates.

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