Nigeria Records Fewer Lassa Fever Cases but Higher Deaths – NCDC

Nigeria has recorded a decline in new confirmed cases of Lassa fever, though deaths linked to the disease remain alarmingly high, according to fresh data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

In epidemiological week 34, three new infections were confirmed—down from five the previous week—with cases detected in Ondo and Edo States.

Situation in 2025 so far
So far this year, the country has reported 857 confirmed cases and 160 deaths, translating to a case fatality rate of 18.7 per cent—higher than the 17.1 per cent reported during the same period in 2024.

At least 21 states across 106 local government areas have recorded infections, with five states—Ondo (33%), Bauchi (23%), Edo (17%), Taraba (14%), and Ebonyi (3%)—accounting for 90 per cent of all cases.

Most affected groups
The NCDC noted that young adults remain the most affected, with the majority of patients aged 21 to 30. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1 to 0.8, reflecting a slightly higher burden among men. Encouragingly, no new infections among health workers were recorded in week 34.

National response efforts
The NCDC-led multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continued coordinating nationwide response activities. Initiatives included clinical training for Lassa fever fellows, distribution of thermometers for contact monitoring, and after-action outbreak reviews in Ondo and Edo.

The agency also launched an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform and deployed 10 rapid response teams to support states. Supplies such as Ribavirin, disinfectants, and personal protective equipment were distributed, while community sensitisation campaigns were expanded.

Challenges and recommendations
Despite progress, challenges persist—late presentation of patients, high treatment costs, poor health-seeking behaviour, inadequate sanitation, and low awareness of prevention measures continue to drive the high fatality rate.

The NCDC urged states to sustain year-round prevention campaigns, while healthcare workers were advised to maintain vigilance and ensure timely referrals. The agency pledged continued support to strengthen state-level capacity to detect, respond to, and control outbreaks.