Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a troubling increase in Lassa fever cases, with 162 fatalities recorded across 21 states by the end of August 2025.
According to the NCDC’s latest update, “10 new confirmed cases were recorded in epidemiological week 35 (August 25–31),” a sharp rise from the three cases reported the previous week.
These cases emerged in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba states.
From January to August 2025, Nigeria recorded 7,375 suspected cases and 871 confirmed infections, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6%, up from 17.1% during the same period in 2024.
The NCDC highlighted that “Ondo (33%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (18%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%) account for 91% of confirmed cases,” identifying these states as the primary hotspots.
The most affected demographic is aged 21–30, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Despite a lower overall case count compared to 2024, the NCDC warned that challenges such as “late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to high treatment costs, and inadequate sanitation in affected communities” continue to drive the high mortality rate.
No new healthcare worker infections were reported in week 35, though 23 have been affected since January.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed 10 rapid response teams, intensified surveillance, and supplied medical resources like ribavirin, personal protective equipment, and sanitizers.
The agency also plans to unveil a five-year strategic plan (2025–2029) to control Lassa fever.
The NCDC urged residents, particularly in hotspot states, to “maintain proper hygiene, enhance rodent control, and seek early medical care” to curb the disease’s spread.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria, is primarily transmitted through contact with items contaminated by infected rats or person-to-person in settings with poor infection control. Symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding, and, in severe cases, organ failure.
The disease, which peaks during the dry season (December–April), is most prevalent in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi states. Early treatment with ribavirin and supportive care is critical to improving outcomes.
Nigeria continues to bear the world’s highest Lassa fever burden, fueled by rodent exposure, inadequate sanitation, and delayed healthcare access, making it one of the country’s most persistent and deadly public health challenges.
