The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a stark warning over the country’s worsening Lassa fever epidemic, revealing a disturbing surge in infections, with 811 confirmed cases and a sharply rising death toll of 152.
As of the epidemiological week 28, 11 confirmed cases and one death have been recorded in 2025, with the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) climbing to a staggering 18.9 percent —a sharp rise from the 17.3 percent reported during the same period last year, reports Daily Independent.
Despite no increase in new confirmed cases between weeks 27 and 28, the virus continues to spread across the country. Ondo, Edo, and Benue States reported 11 new infections, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the disease.
The outbreak has now affected 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas, with five states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi —accounting for a staggering 89 percent of all confirmed cases. Ondo alone is responsible for 32 percent, followed by Bauchi (23 percent), Edo (17 percent), Taraba (14 percent), and Ebonyi (3 percent).
The NCDC’s report highlights that the most affected age group is 21–30 years, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8, indicating a slightly higher prevalence among males.
While no new healthcare workers were infected during the latest reporting week, the overall figures paint a grim picture.
The CFR of 18.7 percent is significantly higher than last year’s rate, raising serious concerns about delayed diagnosis, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate public awareness.
The National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate response efforts across all levels, but the escalating figures demand urgent and intensified intervention.
Public health authorities are urged to bolster surveillance, improve access to treatment, and launch aggressive awareness campaigns to stem the tide of this deadly outbreak.
