Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak worsens with 145 deaths and a rising fatality rate. NCDC reports 781 confirmed cases and intensified national response efforts

The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria continues to escalate, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming 145 deaths from complications as of the 25th epidemiological week of 2025, covering June 16–22.

Also read: NCDC reports 717 Lassa Fever cases in Nigeria

This represents a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6%, up from 17.6% recorded during the same period in 2024.

The NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report revealed that 5,943 suspected cases have been recorded in 2025, with 781 laboratory-confirmed.

Of the 197 suspected cases reported during the current week, 10 tested positive, showing a slight increase from the 8 confirmed in the previous week.

“These new cases were reported from Ondo and Edo States,” the NCDC stated.

Regional Concentration and Demographics

Out of 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected so far, **five states alone account for 91%** of all confirmed cases:

Ondo State – 31%
Bauchi State – 24%
Edo State – 17%
Taraba State – 16%
Ebonyi State – 3%

The majority of cases occur among individuals aged 21–30, with a median age of 30. The gender distribution shows a slight male predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

Although no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the reporting week, **23 healthcare workers** have been affected so far in 2025.

Why Fatalities Remain High

The NCDC attributes the high death toll to:

Late presentation of cases
Poor health-seeking behaviour
Low public awareness, particularly in rural and high-burden areas

National Response Efforts Intensify

To combat the worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, the NCDC-led multi-sectoral Lassa Fever Technical Working Group is coordinating nationwide efforts. Ongoing interventions include:

Enhanced disease surveillance and case management
Contact tracing and risk assessment
Distribution of essential medical supplies
Community sensitisation and public health campaigns

Additionally, the NCDC has launched a digital Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform and is working in partnership with:

WHO
UNICEF
ALIMA
IHVN
Georgetown University

Call to Action

The agency urges Nigerians to improve environmental sanitation, seek timely medical care, and participate in awareness campaigns.

Also read: NCDC reports 717 Lassa Fever cases in Nigeria

“Lassa fever remains a serious public health threat in Nigeria,” the NCDC reiterated, calling for collective action to reduce transmission and mortality.