Lassa Fever: NCDC Confirms 145 Deaths in Nigeria as of July, 5, 2025
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says 781 Lassa fever cases and 145 deaths have been confirmed in Nigeria this year. Learn about the states most affected, who is at risk, symptoms to watch for, and how the government is fighting the disease.
Lassa Fever Still a Threat in Nigeria, Says NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that 145 people have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria as of June 22, 2025. This update is based on the 25th epidemiological week, covering June 16–22, 2025.
The current Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is 18.6%, up from 17.6% during the same period in 2024.
Read the full 25th Week Epidemiological Report from the NCDC here.
Over 5,900 Suspected Cases This Year
From January to June 22, 2025, Nigeria recorded 5,943 suspected cases of Lassa fever, of which 781 were laboratory-confirmed. During the week of June 16–22, there were 197 suspected cases and 10 confirmed cases in Ondo and Edo states, compared to eight confirmed cases the previous week.
5 States Report 91% of Cases
- Ondo: 31%
- Bauchi: 24%
- Edo: 17%
- Taraba: 16%
- Ebonyi: 3%
These five states account for most confirmed cases, while the remaining 9% are spread across 15 other states.
Most Affected Demographics
Young adults aged 21 to 30 years are the most affected group, with a median age of 30. Men are slightly more affected than women, with a ratio of 1:0.8. So far in 2025, 23 healthcare workers have been infected, although none were recorded during the last week under review.
Why Is the Death Rate High?
The NCDC warns that late hospital visits, limited public awareness, expensive treatment, and poor environmental sanitation are key reasons for the high death rate.
How NCDC and Partners Are Fighting Lassa Fever
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working with partners such as WHO, ALIMA, IHVN, UNICEF, Georgetown University, and others to fight Lassa fever. Together, they are doing many important things to stop the disease, including:
1. Contact Tracing and Surveillance
This means health workers are looking for people who have been close to someone with Lassa fever. They check if these people are sick or not. By doing this, they can find new cases early and stop the sickness from spreading to more people.
2. Public Health Campaigns and Clinician Training
NCDC and their partners teach people about Lassa fever. They use radio, TV, posters, and community talks to tell everyone how to stay safe. They also train doctors, nurses, and other health workers so they know how to treat Lassa fever and protect themselves.
3. Free Distribution of Medical Supplies
Hospitals and clinics get free items like gloves, masks, medicines, and other things needed to care for Lassa fever patients. This helps health workers stay safe and treat people better.
4. Online Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Training Platform
There is a special website where health workers can learn online how to stop the spread of Lassa fever and other diseases. They learn things like how to wash hands properly, use protective clothes, and clean hospital rooms.
5. Rapid Response Teams in Hotspot States
When there are many cases in a state, NCDC sends special teams there quickly. These teams help local health workers find and treat sick people, educate the community, and control the outbreak fast.
6. Clinical Trials and After-Action Reviews in Ondo and Ebonyi
In some states like Ondo and Ebonyi, experts are testing new ways to treat Lassa fever and checking how well their outbreak response worked. This helps them learn and do better next time.
What Is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a viral illness spread by contact with infected rodents or their droppings. First discovered in 1969 in Lassa, Borno State, its symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, bleeding, and in severe cases, hearing loss. Although treatment is possible, the death rate can reach 20% without early care.
How You Can Stay Safe
Keep your home and food clean to stop rats
Always keep your house tidy and clean. Make sure food is kept in covered containers so that rats cannot get to it. Rats carry Lassa fever, so if you keep rats away from your home and food, you reduce the chance of getting sick.Go to the hospital quickly if you have fever or bleeding
If you feel hot or have fever, or if you see bleeding from your nose, mouth, or other parts of your body, go to the hospital fast. Do not wait or try to treat yourself at home.Do not take medicine without doctor’s advice
Avoid buying medicine and taking it by yourself without seeing a doctor. Taking wrong medicine can make things worse.Tell others and report strange sickness
If you or someone you know has strange sickness or symptoms, tell health workers or community leaders. teach your family and friends about how to stay safe from Lassa fever
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There is no licensed vaccine yet, but several are in clinical trials.
So in summary, Lassa fever remains a serious threat in Nigeria despite efforts by the NCDC and partners. Individuals and communities play a key role by improving sanitation, seeking early treatment, and spreading reliable health information.