Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised the alarm over a rising fatality rate from Lassa fever, reporting 166 deaths from January to mid-September 2025 — a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
In its latest situation update (Epidemiological Week 37: Sept. 8–14), published on its official website Thursday, the public health agency confirmed 895 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states and 106 local government areas.
According to the report, the case fatality rate (CFR) now stands at 18.5%, up from 16.9% during the same period in 2024, despite a slight reduction in the total number of confirmed infections.
> “This year’s higher fatality rate is largely due to late presentation of cases and delays in seeking medical attention, often driven by the high cost of treatment and lack of awareness,” the agency stated.
The report also highlighted that five states—Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for nearly 90% of the total confirmed cases, with Ondo State alone contributing one-third of the infections nationwide.
> “The geographical concentration of cases suggests the need for intensified community engagement in high-burden areas,” the NCDC noted.
The agency, however, confirmed a bit of good news: no new healthcare worker infections were reported during the latest tracking period.
Despite ongoing efforts, NCDC warns that poor sanitation, weak disease awareness, and delayed treatment are still major drivers of the spread—especially in rural and underserved areas.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, particularly the multi-mammate rat. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in health facilities with inadequate infection control.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal bleeding.
To stem the outbreak, NCDC says it has deployed 10 Rapid Response Teams to heavily affected states and launched new infection prevention and control (IPC) training modules. It has also supported clinical management programmes in partnership with both local and international health bodies.
> “We urge all state governments to intensify surveillance, raise public awareness, and encourage early reporting of symptoms,” the agency added, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Healthcare professionals have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, especially in endemic regions.
As Nigeria continues to bear the highest burden of Lassa fever in West Africa, the NCDC says collaborative efforts across government, healthcare, and community levels remain vital to reducing fatalities and controlling the virus’s spread.
NAN
