The report recorded 955 confirmed infections out of 8,367 suspected cases reported in 102 Local Government Areas (LGAs). While this figure represents a slight drop from the same period in 2024, the disease’s case fatality rate has surged to 18.4 per cent, up from 16.6 per cent a year earlier — a troubling indication of worsening outcomes among infected patients.
Epicentres of the Outbreak
Four states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba—continue to dominate Nigeria’s Lassa fever landscape, accounting for nearly 88 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded in 2025. Ondo remains the hardest hit, contributing 37 per cent of total infections, followed by Bauchi (21 per cent), Edo (17 per cent) and Taraba (13 per cent).
In the latest reporting week, new infections rose slightly—from nine cases in week 42 to eleven in week 43—all traced to Ondo State. The NCDC also noted that the most affected age group falls between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30 and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Factors Behind Rising Deaths
Health officials attribute the increase in fatalities to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and the high cost of treatment. Many patients, especially in rural areas, delay seeking medical attention until symptoms become severe. Poor environmental sanitation and continued rodent infestation also play a major role in sustaining transmission.
The NCDC noted that despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many communities remain vulnerable due to limited access to healthcare facilities and weak disease surveillance systems. These structural gaps, experts say, continue to undermine early detection and timely treatment—two critical components of effective Lassa fever control.
Coordinated National Response
In response, the NCDC’s multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG)—which includes the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—continues to coordinate nationwide containment efforts.
Recent actions include the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to affected states and After-Action Reviews (AARs) in Ondo, Ebonyi, and Edo States to assess response effectiveness. Health workers in Bauchi, Benue, and Ebonyi have received training on case management and infection control, while community sensitisation campaigns and radio broadcasts are being intensified in high-burden areas.
The agency has also introduced an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform, developed in collaboration with the DRASA Health Trust and funded by the Global Fund, to train frontline health workers. Essential medical supplies—including ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and laboratory reagents—have been distributed to treatment centres nationwide. Encouragingly, no new healthcare worker infections were reported during week 43.
Expanding Partnerships and Research
Beyond emergency response, the NCDC is strengthening partnerships with global institutions to improve research, surveillance, and preparedness. Ongoing collaborations involve Georgetown University, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Nigeria Lassa Fever Vaccine Taskforce, co-chaired by the NCDC and NAFDAC.
Notably, the INTEGRATE clinical trial for Lassa fever treatment has commenced in Ondo State, while Nigerian delegates also participated in the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference in Côte d’Ivoire to discuss regional strategies for vaccine development and outbreak control.
A Call for Vigilance
As fatalities continue to mount, the NCDC has urged state governments to sustain community engagement and strengthen environmental health campaigns throughout the year. Healthcare professionals are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure early diagnosis, and initiate timely treatment for all suspected cases.
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rats. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons.
The illness often begins with fever, weakness, and headache, progressing to more severe symptoms such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and organ failure. Experts emphasise that early diagnosis and prompt treatment with ribavirin significantly improve survival rates.
Despite Nigeria’s strengthened public health infrastructure, the persistence of Lassa fever underscores deep-rooted challenges in sanitation, public awareness, and healthcare access. Until these are addressed comprehensively, the deadly virus will likely continue to pose a recurring threat to public health and national development.