The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 80 deaths due to Lassa fever, with 413 cases recorded in 11 states between February 3 and 9, 2025.
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the mortality rate has increased to 19.4% from 17.5% in the same period in 2024. The majority of confirmed cases (73%) originated from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states. Ondo had the highest share of 34%, followed by Edo with 21% and Bauchi with 18%.
The NCDC stated that despite the number of new cases decreasing from 68 the previous week to 54 in the latest report, the high mortality rate remains a major concern. The most affected age group is between the ages of 21 and 30, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
While no new infections were reported among healthcare workers, delayed medical intervention contributed to the increased mortality rate. The agency highlighted ongoing challenges such as poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited public awareness in high-risk communities.
In response, NCDC activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sector Incident Management System to coordinate outbreak control measures. Key interventions include:
- Deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue
- Training of healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue on case management
- Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing in affected states
- Distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), antiviral drugs (Ribavirin), thermometers, and body bags
- Community awareness campaigns in high-risk areas
NCDC is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and the International Research Council of Europe (IRCE) to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and control efforts.
As Lassa fever cases reach their peak, the agency is intensifying infection prevention measures, including a nationwide rodent control initiative and public education campaigns in partnership with Breakthrough Action Nigeria.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to take preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent-free homes, good hand hygiene and seek medical attention if symptoms such as fever, sore throat or unexplained bleeding occur.