Lassa Fever death toll in Nigeria hits 152 with 811 confirmed cases in 2025. Rising fatality rate triggers urgent NCDC interventions across high-risk states

Lassa Fever death toll in Nigeria has climbed to 152 within the first 28 weeks of 2025, signaling a troubling increase in the disease’s fatality rate, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed on Monday.

Also read: Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: 145 Dead, NCDC Confirms Alarming Rise in 2025 Fatalities

According to the agency’s latest report, 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections have been recorded across 21 states and 105 local government areas. The case fatality rate now stands at 18.7%, up from 17.3% during the same period in 2024.

The NCDC attributed the rising deaths to late hospital presentations, poor health-seeking behavior, and limited access to early treatment—factors that continue to undermine medical efforts.

In just epidemiological week 28, 11 new cases and one death were reported, with Ondo, Edo, and Benue States emerging as fresh hotspots.

Most affected are Nigerians aged 21–30, with nearly equal male-to-female ratios.

States like Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi remain under high alert, prompting the deployment of 10 National Rapid Response Teams and the launch of INTEGRATE clinical trials to boost treatment outcomes.

Environmental sanitation drives, IPC training, and mass awareness campaigns—backed by global partners like WHO and IHVN—are being rolled out to reduce transmission.

Despite these bold efforts, challenges such as low awareness, high treatment costs, and poor hygiene conditions in affected communities persist.

Also read: NCDC reports 717 Lassa Fever cases in Nigeria

The NCDC urges Nigerians to avoid rodent exposure, maintain hygiene, and promptly report symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding to nearby health facilities or call the toll-free line 6232.