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Lassa fever

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Fatality Rates and Intensified Interventions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nigeria is grappling with a resurgence of Lassa fever, a deadly viral disease that has claimed 152 lives in the first 28 weeks of 2025. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports an alarming case fatality rate of 18.7%, a significant increase from 17.3% recorded during the same period in 2024. As confirmed cases and suspected infections continue to mount, with 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections across 21 states and 105 local government areas, the NCDC has intensified interventions to combat the outbreak.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCDC has reported 152 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 28 weeks of 2025, with a case fatality rate of 18.7%, a significant increase from 17.3% recorded during the same period in 2024.
  • A total of 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections have been recorded across 21 states and 105 local government areas, with a slight decline in confirmed cases compared to 2024 but an increase in fatality rate.
  • The NCDC has deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams and launched INTEGRATE Clinical Trials in Ondo state to support improved case management, and has provided targeted training to healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states to strengthen clinical response.
  • Persistent challenges, including late presentation of cases, poor environmental sanitation, low awareness levels, and high treatment costs, need to be addressed to reduce fatalities.
  • The NCDC has urged the public to maintain good hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions to prevent the spread of Lassa fever.

Statistics:

  • 152 deaths from Lassa fever reported in the first 28 weeks of 2025 (18.7% case fatality rate)
  • 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections recorded across 21 states and 105 local government areas
  • 10 National Rapid Response Teams deployed by the NCDC to support improved case management
  • INTEGRATE Clinical Trials launched in Ondo state to support improved case management
  • 1 death and 11 new confirmed cases recorded in week 28 alone
  • 3 states (Ondo, Edo, and Benue) reported infections in week 28
  • 3 states (Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue) received targeted training for healthcare workers to strengthen clinical response

Sources:

  • Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) latest situation report
  • NCDC situation report with no specific date mentioned

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