Lassa Fever: NCDC Raises Alarm as Death Toll Rises Despite Drop in New Cases
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Tuesday raised concerns that although new Lassa fever infections have slightly declined, the disease continues to claim more lives, with a troubling rise in fatalities nationwide.
The agency disclosed that in 2025 alone, 206 deaths have been recorded from 1,119 confirmed cases out of 9,270 suspected cases across the country.
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 51 (December 15–21, 2025), new confirmed cases dropped from 28 in week 50 to 21 in week 51. However, five deaths were recorded during the same period, pushing the case fatality rate (CFR) to 23.8 percent for the week and 18.4 percent cumulatively for 2025 higher than the 16.4 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
“While the decline in new confirmed cases is encouraging, the persistently high fatality rate remains a major concern,” the NCDC stated.
The agency noted that the 21 confirmed cases reported in week 51 were recorded in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Kogi, Ebonyi, and Plateau states. Cumulatively, 21 states and 105 local government areas have been affected in 2025.
Alarmingly, 88 percent of all confirmed cases were concentrated in just four states Ondo (35 percent), Bauchi (25 percent), Edo (16 percent), and Taraba (12 percent) highlighting their continued status as Lassa fever hotspots.
Young adults remain the most affected group, with those aged 21–30 recording the highest number of confirmed cases. Overall, the disease affected Nigerians aged between 1 and 96 years, with a median age of 30 years. Males were slightly more affected than females, at a ratio of 1:0.8.
The NCDC attributed the rising fatality rate mainly to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and the high cost of treatment, particularly in high-burden communities. “Late presentation continues to drive up mortality. Early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to survival,” the agency stressed.
On a positive note, no healthcare worker was infected during week 51, reflecting improved infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. The agency also reported that 16 patients were managed in treatment centres during the week, while 77 contacts were under active follow-up nationwide.
The NCDC highlighted several response activities carried out in 2025, including the deployment of 10 National Rapid Response Teams, expanded IPC training, behavioural risk assessments in hotspot states, vaccine development planning, environmental response campaigns, and cross-border collaboration within the ECOWAS region.
Despite recording fewer suspected and confirmed cases compared to 2024, the NCDC warned against complacency as Nigeria enters the peak Lassa fever season. It urged states to intensify year-round community engagement on prevention and advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion to ensure timely referral and treatment.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment, alongside partners, to strengthening state capacity to prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to Lassa fever, warning that without early care-seeking and improved sanitation, the virus will continue to claim avoidable lives.