The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in new confirmed Lassa fever cases in Epidemiological Week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025). However, the fatality rate remains alarmingly high at 18.7 per cent, with 100 deaths recorded so far this year.
In its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, published on Sunday via its official website, the NCDC disclosed that 29 new cases were confirmed across nine states, marking a significant drop from the 54 cases recorded in Week 8. The affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Cross River, Nasarawa and Enugu.
The report further highlighted that 72 per cent of all confirmed cases originated from just three states – Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 per cent), and Edo (17 per cent) – indicating that these states remain the epicentre of the outbreak. This concentration of cases has raised concerns over the effectiveness of current containment efforts.
The NCDC also reported that one new healthcare worker was infected in Week 9, bringing the total number of affected health personnel in 2025 to 17. The agency noted that this underscores the urgent need for better protective measures, an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and enhanced infection prevention protocols in hospitals.
Despite ongoing intervention efforts, the NCDC outlined several challenges hindering the fight against Lassa fever. These include the late presentation of cases, which leads to high fatality rates, poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment, poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities, and low awareness about Lassa fever symptoms and preventive measures.
To combat the outbreak, the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) has been deployed to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue States to provide technical support and strengthen response coordination. Additionally, the NCDC has intensified risk communication efforts and conducted training sessions for healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi and Benue states to enhance preparedness and improve case management.
The agency is also working in collaboration with international health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Geneva and Georgetown Global Health Nigeria, to enhance disease surveillance and improve treatment outcomes.
According to NCDC data, the number of confirmed Lassa fever cases in 2025 has been lower compared to the same period in 2024. As of Week 9, 2025, 535 cases have been reported, compared to 682 cases recorded at the same point in 2024. However, the fatality rate has remained nearly unchanged at 18.7 per cent in 2025, compared to 18.8 per cent in 2024. These statistics suggest that while fewer cases are being confirmed, the disease remains just as deadly, underscoring the need for better early detection, improved treatment accessibility and stronger public awareness campaigns.
Public health experts have warned that reducing Lassa fever fatalities requires a proactive and multi-sectoral approach. They emphasised the need for state governments, donor agencies, and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns in affected regions. They also called for improvements in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Lassa fever hotspots, to ensure quick and efficient treatment. Long-term investments in disease surveillance, public health education and improved access to treatment were also highlighted as essential strategies to reduce the burden of future outbreaks.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. The primary mode of transmission is through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents. Additionally, human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are inadequate.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with cases recorded throughout the year. However, peak transmission typically occurs between October and May, coinciding with the dry season. The continued high burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria has been linked to widespread rodent infestations, poor sanitation and limited public awareness, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The Nigerian government and its partners have implemented several strategies to combat Lassa fever, including surveillance and early detection to quickly identify and isolate cases, case management through the provision of specialised treatment centres and public health awareness campaigns to educate communities on preventive measures. Despite these efforts, Lassa fever remains a significant public health threat, with a persistently high fatality rate and the potential for international spread if not effectively contained.
Experts warn that without sustained investment in research, disease surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria may continue to experience deadly Lassa fever outbreaks in the coming years.
