Lassa Fever: Nigeria Records 506 Cases, 95 Deaths In 8 Weeks

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 506 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 95 deaths in the first eight weeks of 2025.

According to its epidemiological report for week eight, the number of new confirmed cases alone rose to 54 from 38 the previous week. These new cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states.

The case fatality rate (CFR) for Lassa fever remains at 18.8 per cent, the same as in 2024. So far, at least one confirmed case has been recorded in 12 states, affecting 70 Local Government Areas.

The report shows that 73 percent of all confirmed cases were reported in three states, Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, while the remaining 27 percent came from nine other states. Of the three most affected states, Ondo recorded 32 percent of the cases, Bauchi 24 percent, and Edo 17 percent.

Lassa fever predominantly affects individuals aged 21 to 30, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

The report also noted a decline in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2024. However, one new healthcare worker was infected in Week 8, highlighting the continued risk faced by frontline medical personnel.

The national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) has been activated to coordinate response activities at all levels in response to the outbreak.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. The disease is endemic in Nigeria, with seasonal outbreaks occurring mainly during the dry season.

NCDC has continued to urge citizens to maintain proper hygiene and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread.