Lassa Fever Outbreak Worsens in Nigeria, Spreading to 20 States and Killing 145

Lassa fever, a viral disease, has taken a toll on Nigeria, with the latest update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming 145 deaths related to the disease. This significant increase in fatalities has raised concerns over the spread of the disease, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6% being recorded for Epidemiological Week 25. The disease has been prevalent in 20 states, affecting a total of 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and resulting in 781 confirmed cases out of 5,943 suspected infections.

Key Takeaways:

• The case fatality rate (CFR) for Lassa fever has increased to 18.6% in Epidemiological Week 25, up from 17.6% during the same period in 2024.
• Ondo state accounts for 31% of all Lassa fever cases, with 10 new cases confirmed in the state during the latest reporting week.
• Young adults between ages 21 and 30 are the most affected demographic, with men being marginally more affected than women (male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8).
• The most affected states, in addition to Ondo, are Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), and Taraba (16%).
• Late presentation, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behavior have been attributed to the increase in fatalities by the NCDC.
• The NCDC has not reported any new infections among healthcare workers during this period.

Statistics:

• A total of 781 confirmed Lassa fever cases were recorded out of 5,943 suspected infections between June 16 and 22.
• The case fatality rate (CFR) has increased by 0.1% in Epidemiological Week 25 compared to the same period in 2024.
• 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been affected by the outbreak.
• The male-to-female ratio for affected individuals is 1:0.8.

Sources:

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) - Epidemiological Week 25 update
• NCDC - latest announcement on Lassa fever outbreak