Lassa fever outbreak: FG, NCDC confirms 122 Deaths, 1,277 other cases

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has put 1,277 people on a follow-up list due to their potential Lassa fever infection. The center documented 122 fatalities and 659 confirmed cases out of 3,779 suspected cases in 13 weeks (January to March 30, 2025).

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According to a report that was acquired from the NCDC on Friday, Lassa fever cases have been reported in at least 18 states nationwide, with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo being the most impacted.

The report partly reads, “Cumulatively, in week 13 of 2025, 122 deaths have been reported, with a Case Fatality Rate of 18.5%, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (18.7%).

“In total for 2025, 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 93 Local Government Areas. Seventy-one per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo), while 29% were reported from 15 other states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 71% of confirmed cases, Ondo reported 30%, Bauchi 25%, and Edo 16%.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 94 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2024. No new healthcare worker was affected in week 13. The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) was activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.”

The NCDC reports further disclosed that 20 healthcare workers in eight states have been affected by the disease so far this year however, this is not the first outbreak of Lassa fever in the nation.

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Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, and the multimammate rat, also known as the African rat, is the virus’s natural reservoir, though other rodents can also act as carriers.

According to the public health institute, Lassa fever cases occur year-round, with peak transmission periods usually occurring from October to May.