Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Case Fatality Rate and Geographic Spread

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant surge in Lassa fever cases and deaths in 2025. As of epidemiological Week 28, Nigeria has recorded 152 deaths from Lassa fever, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent, higher than the 17.3 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024. The disease has spread to 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas, with 6,520 suspected cases and 811 confirmed cases reported.

Key Takeaways:

• The Case Fatality Rate for Lassa fever in Nigeria has increased to 18.7 per cent in 2025, compared to 17.3 per cent in 2024.
• A total of 152 deaths have been reported, with the majority of cases concentrated in Ondo (32 per cent), Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent).
• The most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30 years.
• The disease has spread to 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas, with 89 per cent of confirmed cases reported from five states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi).
• The national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group is coordinating the response activities at all levels.
• No new healthcare worker has been affected in the reporting week 28.

Statistics:

• 152 deaths reported from Lassa fever in 2025 (as of epidemiological Week 28)
• Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent (higher than the 17.3 per cent recorded in 2024)
• 811 confirmed cases reported from 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas
• 89 per cent of confirmed cases concentrated in five states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi)
• 6,520 suspected cases reported (as of epidemiological Week 28)
• Most affected age group: 21-30 years
• Median age: 30 years

Sources:

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) report (exact date of release not specified)