Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Death Toll and Urgent Call for Action

A severe Lassa fever outbreak is gripping Nigeria, with 156 deaths reported this year, surpassing the fatality rate of last year. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 836 cases across 21 states and 105 local government areas, with Ondo State accounting for the highest number of infections. The agency has attributed the rising deaths to late hospital visits, poor health-seeking habits, and poor sanitation in high-risk areas.

Key Takeaways:

• 156 people have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria so far this year, with 836 confirmed cases reported across 21 states and 105 local government areas.
• The fatality rate has increased to 18.7% compared to 17.3% in 2024, with Ondo State accounting for 33% of all infections.
• The majority of patients (21-30 years old) are young adults, and no new infections among health workers were reported this week.
• NCDC has deployed 10 rapid response teams to affected states and supplied medical equipment to improve screening and has launched online training for infection prevention and public sensitisation in hotspot communities.
• The agency has issued a strong warning, urging governments to strengthen early detection, rapid response, and community awareness to prevent further loss of life.

Statistics:

• 836 confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been recorded in 21 states and 105 local government areas.
• 156 deaths have been reported this year, surpassing the fatality rate of last year.
• The fatality rate has increased to 18.7%, compared to 17.3% in 2024.
• Ondo State accounts for 33% of all infections, followed by Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%) respectively.
• Most patients are young adults aged 21 to 30.
• 6,851 suspected cases have been reported, with a 2.3% increase from the previous week.

Sources:

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
• The agency's latest report for Week 31 (July 28 - August 3, 2025)