Nigeria Records 155 Lassa Fever Deaths in 2025, Fatality Rate Surpasses 2024 Figures
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 155 people have died from Lassa fever so far in 2025, with the case fatality rate (CFR) now at 18.9%, a noticeable rise from 17.1% recorded in 2024.
This was disclosed in the NCDC’s latest situation report for epidemiological week 29, covering national data on the ongoing outbreak.
Lassa Fever Case Distribution in 2025
As of week 29, Nigeria has recorded 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This is a slight decrease compared to 951 confirmed cases in 2024 across 28 states and 125 LGAs within the same timeframe.
High-Burden States and Case Concentration
According to the NCDC, five states account for 89% of all confirmed cases in 2025:
Ondo State: 32%
Bauchi State: 23%
Edo State: 17%
Taraba State: 14%
Ebonyi State: 3%
The remaining 11% of cases are spread across 16 other states.
Weekly Case Updates
While the number of confirmed cases in week 29 remained the same as the previous week, 11 new cases were reported across Edo and Ondo states.
Demographics and Infection Trends
Most affected age group: 21–30 years
Median age: 30 years
Gender ratio: Male to female is 1:0.8
No new healthcare worker infections were recorded during the week.
The report indicates a general decline in the number of both suspected and confirmed cases compared to 2024.
National and International Response Efforts
The National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group, coordinated by the NCDC in collaboration with development partners, continues to lead the national response.
Clinical Trials and Outbreak Reviews
The INTEGRATE clinical trial for Lassa fever treatment launched in Ondo State, supported by:
Federal Medical Centre, Owo
ALIMA
ISTH
BNITM
ANRS-MIE
After Action Reviews (AARs) were conducted in Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi states with help from IHVN and Pro-Health International.
Deployment and Surveillance
Rapid Response Teams were sent to 10 states.
Active case search operations were carried out in health facilities and communities.
Training and Infection Control Measures
Capacity Building Initiatives
Launch of the second cohort of the Lassa Fever Clinical Management Fellowship, supported by Georgetown University.
Clinical webinars and clinician sensitisation held across six high-burden LGAs in Ondo.
On-site training conducted in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states.
A regional clinical management session hosted for ECOWAS countries.
Hospital Safety and Risk Communication
Updated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines and haemorrhagic fever protocols shared with healthcare facilities.
Protocols were supported by the Robert Koch Institute.
Media and community engagement included:
A risk communication workshop in Cross River
Media outreach in Ondo
Rollout of a new communication strategy based on community survey findings
The SORMAS Web Enhancement team also partnered with the NCDC to improve outbreak tracking and reporting systems.
NCDC Urges Vigilance as Lassa Fever Persists
As the outbreak continues, the NCDC emphasizes that sustained coordination, early detection, and public awareness remain key to reducing transmission and saving lives.
The agency has urged state governments, partners, and the Nigerian public to remain alert and strictly observe preventive measures, particularly in high-risk regions.
