The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that 366 Nigerians have died from Lassa fever and meningitis in recent months, highlighting the persistent threat of infectious diseases and the urgent need for strengthened public health responses.
According to the agency’s latest data, 733 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 192 confirmed cases of meningitis have been recorded in 2025. Between January and May 2025, 141 people have died of Lassa fever, while from September 2024 to April 2025, 225 people have died of meningitis.
The NCDC reported that the current Lassa fever outbreak has spread across 18 states and 95 local government areas. In epidemiological week 20 alone, new infections surged from three to 13 cases, with Edo, Ondo and Benue states reporting increases.
“The case fatality rate stands at 19.2 per cent, slightly higher than the 18.3 per cent recorded in 2024, indicating that nearly one in five infected persons is dying, despite coordinated national efforts,” the agency said.
Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states are the hardest hit, accounting for 30 per cent, 25 per cent and 17 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases, respectively, making up 72 per cent of the national total.
The NCDC noted that the disease is most prevalent among young adults aged 21 to 30 years and that the gender distribution remains nearly equal. While no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded in the past week, the agency warned that the uptick in community transmission demands continued vigilance. A multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts nationwide.
Meanwhile, the meningitis situation presents an even more concerning picture. Out of 2,911 suspected cases, 192 have been confirmed, with 225 resulting in death; a case fatality rate of 7.7 per cent.
Children aged five to 14 remain the most vulnerable, with boys making up 60 per cent of reported cases. The outbreak has spread across 24 states and 173 local government areas, with 10 northern states—including Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Jigawa, accounting for 97 per cent of all suspected cases.
In response, the NCDC has activated a national Emergency Operations Centre and is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and development partners. Regular high-level meetings with state officials are ongoing to streamline containment efforts and improve preparedness.
“We are providing continuous technical support to high-burden states and reinforcing outbreak preparedness across the country,” the NCDC said.
As Nigeria grapples with the dual burden of Lassa fever and meningitis, public health experts warn that without sustained investment in early detection, vaccination and health worker protection, the death toll could rise in the coming months.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats. It can also spread from person to person via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and, in severe cases, bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The rising fatalities serve as a stark reminder of the need for improved surveillance, timely diagnosis, and public health education to protect the population and reduce the spread of deadly infectious diseases.
