Nigeria Faces Worsening Lassa Fever Outbreak as 506 Cases Confirmed, 95 Deaths Recorded Across 12 States, and Infections Continue to Rise
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a significant Lassa fever outbreak, reporting 506 cases and 95 deaths as of February 23, 2025. The disease, spreading across 12 states and 70 local government areas, has resulted in a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 18.8%.
According to the NCDC’s situation report for epidemiological week eight, a total of 2,492 suspected cases were investigated. Ondo State recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 160, followed by Bauchi (122) and Edo (88). Other affected states include Taraba, Ebonyi, Kogi, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Delta, and Cross-River.
“In week eight, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 38 in epi week seven to 54,” the NCDC stated. “Cumulatively, 95 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.8%, consistent with the same period in 2024.”
The outbreak is concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states, which account for 73% of all confirmed cases. The most affected age group is 21-30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Lassa fever, a zoonotic disease transmitted by the mastomys rat, typically surges during Nigeria’s dry season. The NCDC also reported one new healthcare worker infection in the reporting week.
“The National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response activities at all levels,” the NCDC added.
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 has confirmed a significant Lassa fever outbreak, reporting 506 cases and 95 deaths as of February 23, 2025. The disease, spreading across 12 states and 70 local government areas, has resulted in a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 18.8%.){kind=link}