Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 155 Lives in 2025, NCDC Reports 

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a grim milestone in the ongoing battle against Lassa fever, with 155 deaths recorded in 2025. According to the NCDC’s latest Situation Report for Week 29 (July 14–20, 2025), the country has seen 822 confirmed cases of the viral hemorrhagic fever this year, marking a significant public health challenge.

NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris

In a statement signed by NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris, the agency revealed that 11 new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo states during the reporting week. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for 2025 stands at 18.9%, a notable increase from the 17.1% recorded for the same period in 2024. This rise in mortality underscores the severity of the outbreak and the urgent need for enhanced control measures.

The NCDC report highlights that Lassa fever has affected 21 states across 105 local government areas in 2025. However, 89% of confirmed cases are concentrated in five states: Ondo (32%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining 11% of cases are distributed across 16 other states, indicating a widespread but uneven distribution of the disease.

11 new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo states during the reporting week

The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever is 21–30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8 among confirmed cases. This demographic insight suggests that young adults, particularly males, are disproportionately impacted, possibly due to occupational or behavioral factors that increase exposure to the virus.

The NCDC noted a decrease in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same period in 2024, a positive sign that heightened awareness and interventions may be having some effect. However, the higher CFR this year indicates that cases are more likely to result in death, possibly due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, or variations in the virus’s virulence.

Encouragingly, no new healthcare workers were reported to have contracted Lassa fever in Week 29, a critical development given the high risk faced by frontline medical personnel. This could reflect improved infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.

TRAINING OF NCDC NATIONAL REFERENCE LAB TEAM ON DIAGNOSIS FOR LASSA IN 2016. PHOTO COURTESY: NCDC

Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected multimammate rats, though human-to-human transmission can occur in healthcare settings or through bodily fluids. Symptoms range from fever and fatigue to severe complications like bleeding, kidney failure, and death. The antiviral drug ribavirin is effective if administered early, but access to timely treatment remains a challenge in many affected areas.

The concentration of cases in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi points to environmental and socio-economic factors that facilitate the spread of the virus, such as poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and proximity to rodent habitats. The NCDC has intensified efforts to combat the outbreak, including public awareness campaigns, rodent control measures, and the distribution of medical supplies to affected regions.

The NCDC has urged the public and media to use and share its data to raise awareness about Lassa fever and promote preventive measures. Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, advising individuals to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, or body weakness, especially in endemic areas.

The importance of early detection and treatment, advising individuals to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache

The agency also called for improved hygiene practices, such as storing food in rodent-proof containers and maintaining clean environments to reduce contact with rats. Healthcare facilities have been advised to strengthen infection control protocols to protect workers and patients.

As Nigeria grapples with this outbreak, the NCDC continues to collaborate with state governments, international partners, and local communities to curb the spread of Lassa fever. The agency’s ongoing surveillance and response efforts aim to reduce the burden of the disease, but challenges such as limited funding, logistical constraints, and public awareness gaps remain.

The 2025 Lassa fever outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustained investment in Nigeria’s public health infrastructure. With 155 lives lost and hundreds more affected, the fight against Lassa fever demands collective action to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further escalation.

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