Lassa Fever Toll Rises in Nigeria, NCDC Urges Early Treatment as Deaths Hit 143

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Nigeria has recorded an increase in Lassa fever cases, with 11 new infections reported in Week 23 of 2025, bringing total deaths this year to 143, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The case fatality rate (CFR) now stands at 18.9%, higher than the 17.8% recorded during the same period last year.
“This year’s CFR is concerning, as it indicates a higher fatality rate among confirmed cases compared to previous years,” the NCDC noted in its latest situation report.

The new cases emerged from Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States. A healthcare worker was among those infected, highlighting the ongoing risk to frontline staff. So far, 18 states and 96 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have reported cases, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi accounting for 90% of infections. Ondo State alone represents 31% of cases.

Most patients are aged 21–30, and infections slightly affect more men than women (male-to-female ratio 1:0.8). The NCDC has activated a national Incident Management System to coordinate its response, focusing on enhanced surveillance, clinician training, and integration of Lassa fever messages into broader public health campaigns.

NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris stressed: “Late presentation remains a significant challenge, contributing to the high CFR. We urge Nigerians to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.”

To aid control efforts, the NCDC has distributed personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, and hygiene materials to affected areas, with additional support from the World Health Organization for training healthcare workers.

Despite interventions, challenges persist, including poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate sanitation, low awareness in high-burden communities, and the cost of treatment. Public sensitization campaigns are ongoing.

The NCDC advises Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and report symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding immediately. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the disease’s impact through coordinated national and community efforts.