The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 717 cases of Lassa fever from 4,881 suspected infections reported between January 1 and May 4, 2025. This was disclosed in the agency’s latest situation report published on its official website.
The outbreak has affected 93 local government areas in 15 states, underscoring the persistent threat of the deadly viral disease.
Rising Fatalities: A Growing Concern
As of early May, 138 lives have been lost, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 19.3% — a noticeable increase from 18.0% recorded during the same period in 2024.
Although new infections slightly dropped to 10 cases in epidemiological week 18, down from 11 the previous week, the virus continues to spread.
Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Benue states recorded the latest confirmed cases.
States Hit Hardest
The death toll is most severe in Taraba (34 deaths), followed by Ondo (27), Edo (19), and Bauchi (15). Other affected states include:
Ebonyi (11 deaths)
Gombe (7)
Plateau (5)
Benue (5)
Kogi (4)
Nasarawa (4)
Delta (2)
Kaduna (2)
Enugu, Cross River, and Ogun (1 death each)
Transmission Patterns & Vulnerable Groups
Lassa fever, endemic to West Africa, spreads primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats.
This year, 71% of confirmed cases have been concentrated in Ondo (30%), Bauchi (25%), and Taraba (16%). The most affected age group ranges from 21 to 30 years, with cases spanning ages 1 to 96. A slight male predominance (male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8) has been observed.
Encouragingly, no new infections among healthcare workers were reported in week 18.
Ongoing Response & Challenges
The NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Lassa Fever Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate national response efforts. However, several critical challenges persist:
Delayed presentation of patients at health facilities, worsening fatality rates.
Poor health-seeking behavior due to high treatment costs.
Inadequate sanitation in high-risk communities.
Low public awareness, leading to late diagnosis and intervention.
Call to Action: Public Health Advisory
The NCDC urges Nigerians to:
Maintain proper hygiene.
Keep homes and surroundings rodent-free.
Seek immediate medical attention if Lassa fever symptoms (such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and bleeding) develop.
Proactive community engagement and swift medical intervention remain critical to curbing the spread of this life-threatening disease.
Credit: Nairametrics
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