Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 155 in Nigeria as Infections Spread Across 21 States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 155 deaths from Lassa fever in the country between January 1 and July 20, 2025.

In its latest situation update released Tuesday, the NCDC revealed that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now stands at 18.9%, surpassing the 17.1% recorded during the same period in 2024.

As of epidemiological Week 29, a total of 6,640 suspected cases and 822 confirmed infections have been reported across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs), according to the health agency.

Fresh cases in Week 29 were confirmed in Ondo and Edo states, consistent with trends from the previous week.

The NCDC also highlighted that the majority of infections, 89% of confirmed cases, are concentrated in five states:

• Ondo (32%)
• Bauchi (23%)
• Edo (17%)
• Taraba (14%)
• Ebonyi (3%)

The remaining 11% of cases are spread across 16 other states.

The agency noted that individuals aged 21 to 30 are the most affected, with a median age of 30 years. The male-to-female ratio of confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

Despite the overall rise in the death toll, the report showed a decrease in both suspected and confirmed cases when compared to the same period last year. No new infections were recorded among healthcare workers in the most recent reporting week.

Lassa fever, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodent excreta. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate.

The NCDC continues to monitor the outbreak and urges Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid rodent infestations, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headache, and bleeding occur.

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