Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Cases and High Fatality Rate

Strategic Insights -

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 145 deaths from Lassa fever as of 2025 Epidemiological Week 25, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent. This marks an increase from 17.6 per cent reported for the same period in 2024. The disease continues to affect young adults predominantly, within the 21 to 30 age group, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. Despite a decline in the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases compared to 2024, the rise in CFR is raising concerns among health experts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCDC has reported 145 deaths from Lassa fever as of 2025 Epidemiological Week 25, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent.
  • The disease continues to affect young adults predominantly, within the 21 to 30 age group, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
  • The rise in CFR is attributed to late presentation of cases, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behaviour.
  • collaborations between NCDC and partners, such as WHO, US CDC, ALIMA, and IHVN, have intensified multi-sectoral response efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever.
  • Integrate clinical trials are currently ongoing in Ondo State, with After Action Reviews (AARs) conducted in both Ondo and Ebonyi to evaluate the response to the outbreak.
  • The NCDC has deployed 10 national rapid response teams to various states, adopting a one-health approach to disease control.
  • Key challenges include poor environmental sanitation and low community awareness, particularly in high-burden LGAs.

Statistics:

  • 145 deaths from Lassa fever as of 2025 Epidemiological Week 25.
  • Case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent.
  • 781 confirmed cases were reported out of 5,943 suspected cases across 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
  • 10 new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo states in the current reporting week.
  • 91 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2025 were reported from five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%) and Ebonyi (3%).

Sources:

  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) report via its official website.
  • World Health Organisation (WHO).
  • United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC).
  • ALIMA.
  • Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).
  • The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).