ABUJA, Nigeria — The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 172 lives since the start of 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The latest update highlights a sharp rise in both infections and fatalities from the viral disease, which continues to spread across multiple regions.
Between January and October 2025, the NCDC recorded 924 confirmed cases out of 8,041 suspected cases across 106 local government areas in 21 states of the federation.
The agency reported a case fatality rate of 18.6%, an increase from 17% during the same period in 2024, attributing the spike to late reporting of symptoms and poor health-seeking behavior among residents in high-risk areas.
According to the NCDC, the worst-hit states remain Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Taraba, which together account for over 90% of all confirmed cases.
Ondo State alone contributes 35% of total infections, making it the epicenter of the outbreak.
The most affected age group falls between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8, indicating a slightly higher prevalence among men.
Causes and Response Measures
The NCDC identified poor sanitation, low awareness, and delayed access to medical care as key drivers worsening the outbreak.
In response, a multi-sectoral incident management system has been activated to coordinate nationwide containment efforts and improve early case detection and treatment.
Health officials are also intensifying community sensitization campaigns to discourage unsafe practices that promote rodent infestation — the primary source of infection.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa. The disease is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces.
Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with blood, saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
Symptoms often include fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest discomfort, and in severe cases, bleeding. Without prompt treatment, the disease can lead to multi-organ failure and death.
The NCDC urges Nigerians to:
Avoid self-medication and report suspected cases to nearby health facilities.
Maintain clean environments to deter rodents.
Store food in sealed containers.
Seek immediate medical attention when symptoms arise.
