Lassa Fever Death Rate Rises in Nigeria, NCDC Responds Fast

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a troubling increase in the number of deaths from Lassa fever this year, with the fatality rate now higher than what was seen at this time in 2024.

Key Highlights

• Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now at 18.9% as of week 23 in 2025, up from 17.8% in 2024
• 143 deaths confirmed so far this year
• 18 states affected, with cases in 96 Local Government Areas
• 90% of cases concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states
• Most affected age group: 21–30 years, median age 30
• Male-to-female ratio: 1 to 0.8
• Health workers still at risk, with one new infection this week

Lassa fever, a viral illness spread mostly through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces, continues to affect many Nigerians. The latest NCDC report shows that the number of confirmed cases increased to 11 in week 23, up from eight in the previous week. The majority of cases—90 percent—are concentrated in just five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (15%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining 10 percent are spread across 13 other states.

The most affected age group is young adults between 21 and 30 years old, with a median age of 30. Both men and women are getting sick, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8.

While the total number of suspected and confirmed cases is actually lower than last year, the disease is still taking a heavy toll. Health workers remain at risk, with one new healthcare worker infected in the latest reporting week.

New infections have been recorded in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba states. In response, the NCDC has activated its multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate control efforts at the national level.

NCDC’s Response and Actions

• Sensitisation of clinicians in six high-risk Local Government Areas in Ondo State
• National Lassa fever risk assessment conducted
• Integration of Lassa fever messages into broader communication about viral haemorrhagic fevers
• 10 Rapid Response Teams deployed to affected states as part of a One Health approach

To make infection prevention and control stronger, the NCDC launched an online learning platform for healthcare workers, developed with the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust and funded by the Global Fund. The agency distributed essential supplies, such as personal protective equipment, Ribavirin (the main treatment for Lassa fever), hand sanitisers, thermometers, and health education materials to treatment centres and state health facilities.

Capacity-building has been a major focus. The NCDC ran a seven-part clinical management webinar series and organised training for healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue States. Community sensitisation campaigns have also taken place in Ondo State, including radio outreach, town hall meetings, and environmental response activities.

Challenges

However, the NCDC says several challenges are making the response difficult:

• Late presentation of cases at health facilities, reducing survival chances
• Poor health-seeking behaviour due to high treatment costs and low awareness
• Poor environmental sanitation in several affected areas

“We are working closely with our partners to close these gaps, improve early detection, and strengthen prevention and case management across the country,” the NCDC stated.

The NCDC promises to keep working with partners like the World Health Organisation, Georgetown University, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, and the Global Fund to address these challenges. Their goal is to ensure better preparedness, faster response, and improved care for people affected by Lassa fever in Nigeria.

The agency urges everyone, especially those in high-risk areas, to seek medical care early if they have symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, or bleeding. Good hygiene, proper food storage, and keeping homes clean are also important to stop the spread of Lassa fever.

Stay woke. Stay tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.