Lassa fever cases rise in Nigeria as deaths hit 162 by August

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 162 deaths recorded across 21 states as of epidemiological week 35, spanning August 25–31.

The NCDC, via its official website, reported 10 new confirmed cases in week 35 alone, up from three in the previous week. It said that the new cases were detected in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba states.

Cumulatively, the agency reported that the country has recorded 7,375 suspected cases and 871 confirmed infections in 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 11.7%, higher than the 8.9% recorded during the same period in 2024.

It stated that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states remain the country’s hotspots, accounting for 91% of all confirmed cases.

The NCDC stated that these states contributed as follows: Ondo 33%, Bauchi 23%, Edo 18%, Taraba 14%, and Ebonyi 3%.

The agency noted that most affected patients are aged between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

While it stated that the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases was lower compared to the same period last year, the NCDC warned of persistent risks.

It noted that late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to treatment costs, and poor sanitation in high-burden communities are contributing to the high death toll.

The Nigerian public health agency reported that no new infections of healthcare workers were reported in week 35, although 23 health workers have been affected since the beginning of the year.

The Centre said it has deployed 10 rapid response teams to support affected states, enhanced surveillance, and distributed medical countermeasures, including ribavirin, PPEs, and sanitisers.

It also announced plans to launch a five-year strategic plan (2025–2029) for Lassa fever control.

The NCDC urged Nigerians, especially in hotspot states, to maintain proper hygiene, improve rodent control, and seek early medical care to reduce the spread and impact of the disease.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in Nigeria, spread mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rats.

It can also spread from person to person, especially in hospitals without strict infection control measures.

The illness causes fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding, and in severe cases, organ failure.

Nigeria bears the highest global burden, with the majority of cases originating from Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi states.

It peaks in the dry season, “December–April” and has a high fatality rate, especially when patients present late.

Treatment with ribavirin is most effective when initiated early, in conjunction with supportive care.

Lassa fever remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest recurrent outbreaks, driven by rodent exposure, poor sanitation, and delayed health-seeking behaviour.