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Epidemiology

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Rising Concerns Amidst High Death Toll

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant spike in Lassa fever cases across 21 states in 2025, with 7,375 suspected cases, 871 confirmed infections, and 162 deaths. The hotspots of Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states account for 91% of all confirmed cases. NCDC attributed the high death toll to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and poor sanitation in high-burden communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCDC has recorded 7,375 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 871 confirmed infections and 162 deaths across 21 states in 2025.
  • Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states remain the country's hotspots, accounting for 91% of all confirmed cases.
  • The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6% is higher than the 17.1% recorded during the same period in 2024.
  • Most affected patients are aged between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
  • The overall number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower compared to the same period last year, but the NCDC warned of persistent risks.
  • Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and poor sanitation in high-burden communities are contributing to the high death toll.
  • The NCDC has deployed 10 rapid response teams to support affected states, enhanced surveillance, and distributed medical countermeasures including ribavirin, PPEs, and sanitizers.
  • Plans are underway to launch a five-year strategic plan (2025-2029) for Lassa fever control.
  • The public health agency urged Nigerians in hotspot states to maintain proper hygiene, improve rodent control, and seek early medical care to reduce the spread and impact of the disease.

Statistics:

  • 7,375 suspected cases of Lassa fever have been reported across 21 states in 2025.
  • 871 confirmed infections have been recorded, accounting for 91% of all confirmed cases.
  • 162 deaths have been attributed to the disease, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6%.
  • The proportion of cases in hotspot states is: Ondo (33%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (18%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%).
  • Most affected patients are aged between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
  • 23 health workers have been affected since the beginning of the year.
  • 10 rapid response teams have been deployed to support affected states.
  • 10,000 people have been affected by Lassa fever in Nigeria since 2020.
  • The disease has a high fatality rate, especially when patients present late, with treatment with Ribavirin working best when started early alongside supportive care.

Sources:

  • NCDC report of epidemiological week 35, published on the Centre's website.

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