The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over a significant rise in Lassa fever infections across the country. As of the end of 2024, Nigeria had recorded 1,309 confirmed cases and 214 deaths. However, the situation has worsened in the first six weeks of 2025, with 413 new confirmed cases and 80 deaths reported.
During Epidemiological Week 6 (February 3–9, 2025), the NCDC reported an alarming 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases spanning 11 states. The ongoing outbreak, which initially emerged in 2024, has seen a total of 4,726 cases and numerous fatalities, highlighting the persistent threat of the disease.
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report published on the NCDC’s official website, the case fatality rate (CFR) has increased to 19.4%, a rise from 17.5% in the same period of 2024. The affected states include Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Benue, Gombe, Kogi, and Ebonyi, with 63 local government areas confirming cases.
The report further reveals that 73% of confirmed cases originated from three states: Ondo (34%), Edo (21%), and Bauchi (18%). This underscores the concentration of infections in specific regions, necessitating urgent intervention.
While no new infections among healthcare workers were reported in the latest update, the NCDC attributed the rising fatality rate to delayed case presentations. Factors such as poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities have been identified as major challenges in containing the outbreak.
The NCDC continues to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of Lassa fever. As the country grapples with the escalating crisis, health authorities are calling for increased funding, improved healthcare infrastructure, and community engagement to combat the disease effectively.
