Nigerians Fear as Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 145, Fatality Rate Worsens

Nigerians are raising fresh concerns as the country records 145 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025, with the case fatality rate (CFR) rising to 18.6 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The figure, which covers data up to Epidemiological Week 25 (June 16–22), marks a noticeable increase from the 17.6 per cent CFR recorded during the same period in 2024, sparking alarm among health experts and the public.

According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, a total of 781 confirmed cases have been recorded from 5,943 suspected cases across 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs). In the most recent reporting week alone, 10 new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo States, up slightly from eight in the previous week.

The data also shows that 91 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2025 have come from five states: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%).

Young adults aged 21–30 continue to be the most affected demographic, with a slightly higher prevalence among males (male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8).

Despite a slight overall reduction in the number of suspected and confirmed cases compared to last year, the rising fatality rate has emerged as a major red flag. The NCDC attributes the increase to late presentation of cases, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behaviour in high-risk communities.

While no new health worker infections were reported in the current week, the cumulative number of infected healthcare professionals in 2025 stands at 23.

To combat the spread of the disease, the NCDC said it is working closely with international and national partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), ALIMA, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).

As part of its response efforts, the agency has launched several initiatives including: Ongoing INTEGRATE clinical trials in Ondo State; After Action Reviews (AARs) in Ondo and Ebonyi; Clinician sensitisation and community engagement campaigns; Environmental response interventions in hotspot LGAs.

Furthermore, 10 national rapid response teams have been deployed, while efforts under the One Health approach have been scaled up. The agency has also launched an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform, distributed updated Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) guidelines, and intensified risk communication and surveillance.

Despite these interventions, the NCDC highlighted persistent challenges, including poor environmental sanitation, low community awareness, and the absence of licensed vaccines. It noted that over 20 vaccine candidates are currently in development, with the most advanced at Phase IIa clinical trial stage.

Nigerians are urged to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek prompt medical attention when experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.

Lassa fever, first discovered in Lassa, Borno State in 1969, remains endemic in Nigeria and resurfaces annually with deadly consequences. The disease, which affects hundreds of thousands across West Africa, can lead to severe complications including bleeding and permanent hearing loss, especially when treatment is delayed.

With no licensed vaccine and a fatality rate that now approaches one in five confirmed cases, the NCDC warns that sustained public health vigilance and early detection are essential to curbing future outbreaks.