Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Cases and Fears

Strategic Insights -

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed a significant surge in Lassa fever cases, with 766 confirmed infections reported across 18 states in 2025. The outbreak has claimed 145 lives so far, with a high fatality rate of 18.9% reported in the latest situation report. The majority of cases have been recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states, which account for 91% of confirmed cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCDC has confirmed 766 Lassa fever cases in 2025, with 145 deaths reported across 18 states.
  • The case fatality rate stands at 18.9%, an increase from 17.6% during the same period in 2024.
  • Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states account for 91% of confirmed cases, with Ondo alone contributing 31%.
  • The high fatality rate is attributed to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and unsanitary living conditions in high-burden communities.
  • The NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states, implemented risk communication and environmental sanitation campaigns, and trained health workers in high-risk areas.
  • Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, and can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment.
  • Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
  • The NCDC has urged Nigerians to follow its advisories and utilize the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries.

Statistics:

  • 766 confirmed Lassa fever cases reported in 2025 (Source: NCDC)
  • 145 deaths attributed to Lassa fever in 2025 (Source: NCDC)
  • 18 states affected by Lassa fever outbreak in 2025 (Source: NCDC)
  • 91% of confirmed cases reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states (Source: NCDC)
  • 18.9% case fatality rate reported in the latest situation report (Source: NCDC)
  • 5,678 suspected infections reported across 18 states in 2025 (Source: NCDC)

Sources:

  • NCDC's latest situation report for epidemiology week 24 (June 9-15) (Source: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)