Lassa Fever: NCDC Confirms 142 Deaths, 747 Cases Across 18 States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 142 fatalities and 747 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 18 states in Nigeria, as of Epidemiological Week 22, 2025. This was revealed in its latest situation report released on Thursday.

The agency noted that the current Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 19.0%, reflecting a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Despite a general decline in both suspected and confirmed cases relative to last year, the NCDC stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance in managing the disease’s spread.

The report highlighted a rise in new infections, with confirmed cases increasing from six in Week 21 to eight in Week 22. The newly recorded infections were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states.

A geographical analysis of the outbreak reveals that five states account for 91% of all confirmed cases. Ondo State leads with 31%, followed by Bauchi (25%), Edo (16%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%).

The most affected demographic is individuals aged 21 to 30 years, with a median age of 30. The gender distribution among confirmed cases shows a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has implemented a series of robust interventions under the coordination of its national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS), which operates under a One Health approach. To strengthen the response at the state level, 10 National Rapid Response Teams were deployed to high-burden states.

To further enhance infection control, the agency launched an e-learning platform focused on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). This initiative, developed in collaboration with the DRASA Health Trust and funded by the Global Fund, is aimed at building the capacity of frontline healthcare workers.

Additionally, the NCDC distributed IPC guidelines for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) to healthcare facilities, with technical assistance from the Robert Koch Institute. It also provided support to state-level IPC structures, treatment centres, and the Orange Network—an initiative focused on curbing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

As part of its ongoing capacity-building efforts, the NCDC, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), organised clinical management webinars and training sessions for healthcare personnel in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states.

Forecasting and distribution of medical countermeasures—such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, and body bags—to affected states and treatment centres are also ongoing.

Surveillance activities remain active, with intensified contact tracing and case finding being conducted in communities with confirmed outbreaks. Public enlightenment campaigns have also been scaled up to promote hygiene, raise awareness, and encourage community engagement, especially in high-risk areas.

Furthermore, the agency acknowledged ongoing collaborations with international partners, including Georgetown University and other global health institutions, in a concerted effort to mitigate the impact of the Lassa fever outbreak and strengthen Nigeria’s epidemic preparedness and response capabilities.