The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during the period of February 3 to 9, 2025.
The NCDC revealed that the case fatality rate (CFR) has increased to 19.4% from 17.5% during the same period in 2024.
According to the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, 73% of the confirmed cases are concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo leading at 34%. The agency emphasized that the affected age group is predominantly between 21 and 30 years, and the male-to-female ratio is 1:0.8.
Despite a slight decrease in new cases, from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the NCDC expressed concerns about the rising fatality rate. The agency identified poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges in addressing the outbreak.
In a bid to curb the spread, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System and deployed Rapid Response Teams to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue states.
There are also ongoing efforts to train healthcare workers and distribute essential medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, and thermometers.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, a spokesperson for the NCDC, urged Nigerians to take preventive actions: “We encourage everyone to practice proper hygiene, store food properly to avoid rodent contamination, and seek medical attention early if symptoms like fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding occur.”
The NCDC is also partnering with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to enhance diagnostic and treatment efforts.
Additionally, the agency plans to roll out a nationwide rodent control campaign in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N).