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

Strategic Insights -

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the country, with 152 fatalities recorded as of 2025 Epidemiological Week 28. The case fatality rate (CFR) has also risen to 18.7 per cent, up from 17.3 per cent in the same period last year. The total number of suspected cases stands at 6,520, with 811 confirmed cases reported across 21 states and 105 local government areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria has recorded 152 deaths from Lassa fever as of 2025 Epidemiological Week 28, with a case fatality rate of 18.7 per cent.
  • The number of new confirmed cases in week 28 remained the same as in week 27, with fresh infections reported in Ondo, Edo, and Benue states.
  • Eighty-nine percent (89%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi.
  • The highest percentage of confirmed cases came from Ondo state, accounting for 32 percent of total cases.
  • The case fatality rate (CFR) in 2025 (18.7%) is higher than the CFR in 2024 (17.3%).
  • A total of 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 105 local government areas.
  • Ninety percent (90%) of the confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from 21 states, while 10 percent were reported from 4 states.

Statistics:

  • 152 deaths from Lassa fever as of 2025 Epidemiological Week 28
  • Case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent
  • 6,520 suspected cases of Lassa fever reported
  • 811 confirmed cases of Lassa fever reported
  • 21 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases across 105 local government areas
  • Ondo state accounted for 32% of confirmed cases
  • Bauchi state accounted for 23% of confirmed cases
  • Edo state accounted for 17% of confirmed cases
  • Taraba state accounted for 14% of confirmed cases
  • Ebonyi state accounted for 3% of confirmed cases

Sources:

  • "Situational Report #28 for 2025 Epidemiological Week 28 Lassa Fever" by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)