Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Death Toll Rises to 172

Strategic Insights -

The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in 172 deaths since the beginning of this year, with 924 confirmed cases reported out of 8,041 suspected cases across 106 local government areas in 21 states. The case fatality rate has increased to 18.6 percent, higher than the 17 percent recorded in 2024. The worst-hit states are Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba, accounting for over 90 percent of all confirmed cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has risen to 172 since the beginning of this year.
  • 924 confirmed cases have been reported out of 8,041 suspected cases across 106 local government areas in 21 states.
  • The case fatality rate has increased to 18.6 percent, higher than the 17 percent recorded in 2024.
  • The worst-hit states are Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba, accounting for over 90 percent of all confirmed cases.
  • Ondo state alone represents 35 percent of the total number of confirmed cases.
  • The predominant age group affected is 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
  • Poor sanitation, limited awareness in high-burden communities, and delayed treatment continue to exacerbate the outbreak.
  • A multi-sectoral incident management system has been activated to coordinate a nationwide response.
  • Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces, with human-to-human transmission also possible through direct contact with infected individuals.

Statistics:

  • 172 deaths from Lassa fever since the beginning of this year (as of October 22, 2025)
  • 924 confirmed cases out of 8,041 suspected cases (as of October 22, 2025)
  • 18.6 percent case fatality rate (as of October 22, 2025)
  • 106 local government areas in 21 states affected (as of October 22, 2025)
  • 35 percent of confirmed cases in Ondo state (as of October 22, 2025)
  • Predominant age group affected: 21 to 30 years (as of October 22, 2025)
  • Male-to-female ratio: 1:0.8 (as of October 22, 2025)

Sources:

  • The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, October 22, 2025