The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a concerning escalation in the Lassa fever outbreak, with 166 deaths recorded between January and September 2025. This alarming statistic was published on the NCDC’s official website on Thursday, October 2, 2025, as part of its Epidemiological Week 37 report, covering the period from September 8 to 14, 2025. The report highlights a significant rise in the case fatality rate (CFR), which now stands at 18.5%, compared to 16.9% for the same period in 2024. This increase underscores the growing severity of the disease in Nigeria, despite a reduction in the total number of confirmed and suspected cases compared to the previous year.
According to the NCDC, a total of 895 confirmed Lassa fever cases have been documented across 21 states and 106 local government areas in Nigeria during the first nine months of 2025. While this figure represents a decline in the number of infections compared to 2024, the higher mortality rate is a cause for concern. The agency attributes the elevated death toll to several critical factors, including late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behavior, and the high cost of treatment, which often discourages affected individuals from seeking timely medical care. These challenges have compounded the difficulties in managing the outbreak and reducing its impact on communities.
The geographical distribution of Lassa fever cases remains heavily concentrated, with five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—accounting for 90% of all confirmed cases. Notably, Ondo State alone is responsible for one-third of the total infections, making it the epicenter of the outbreak. This regional concentration highlights the need for targeted interventions in these high-burden areas to curb the spread of the disease and mitigate its devastating effects.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, is a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, particularly the multi-mammate rat, which is a common reservoir for the virus. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are inadequate. The disease manifests with a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from various parts of the body. Without prompt treatment, Lassa fever can be fatal, particularly in cases where medical intervention is delayed.
The NCDC’s report for Epidemiological Week 37 provides some encouraging news, as no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during this period. This is a positive development, given the heightened risk faced by frontline health workers who come into close contact with infected patients. However, the agency emphasized that the absence of new infections among healthcare workers should not lead to complacency, as the risk of transmission in healthcare settings remains significant without stringent IPC measures.
Despite the reduction in confirmed cases compared to 2024, the NCDC has identified several persistent challenges that continue to fuel the spread and severity of Lassa fever in Nigeria. Poor environmental sanitation, particularly in high-burden communities, creates favorable conditions for rodents to thrive and contaminate food and household items. Additionally, low awareness levels among residents in affected areas contribute to delayed recognition of symptoms and reluctance to seek medical care. The high cost of treatment further exacerbates the situation, as many affected individuals, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are unable to afford the necessary medical interventions. These factors collectively contribute to the higher case fatality rate observed in 2025.
To address these challenges, the NCDC has implemented several measures aimed at strengthening the country’s response to the Lassa fever outbreak. The agency has deployed 10 rapid response teams to the most affected states to provide immediate support for case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. Additionally, the NCDC has introduced new infection prevention and control (IPC) training modules to equip healthcare workers with the skills and knowledge needed to safely manage Lassa fever cases and prevent nosocomial transmission. In collaboration with local and international partners, the agency has also supported clinical management fellowship programs to enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating the disease.
The NCDC has called on state governments to intensify community engagement and preventive campaigns to raise awareness about Lassa fever and promote early reporting of symptoms. The agency emphasized the importance of maintaining high suspicion among healthcare workers, urging them to promptly initiate treatment for patients presenting with symptoms consistent with Lassa fever. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of further transmission.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, which bears the highest burden of the disease in West Africa. The virus’s persistence in the region is driven by a combination of environmental, social, and healthcare-related factors. Rodents, particularly the multi-mammate rat, thrive in areas with poor sanitation, increasing the risk of contamination. Cultural practices, such as improper food storage, also contribute to the spread of the virus. In healthcare settings, inadequate infection control measures can facilitate human-to-human transmission, particularly when healthcare workers are not adequately protected or trained to handle infectious diseases.
The NCDC’s efforts to control the outbreak are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and reduce the impact of infectious diseases. The deployment of rapid response teams and the introduction of new training modules reflect the agency’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of affected communities while building long-term capacity to manage future outbreaks. However, the success of these interventions depends on the cooperation of state governments, healthcare providers, and communities in implementing preventive measures and promoting early treatment.
The agency has also highlighted the importance of addressing the socioeconomic barriers that prevent individuals from seeking timely medical care. The high cost of treatment remains a significant obstacle, particularly for low-income households in rural areas. To address this, the NCDC has urged stakeholders to explore ways to make treatment more accessible and affordable, such as through subsidies or partnerships with non-governmental organizations.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the Lassa fever outbreak, the NCDC’s report serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges posed by this deadly disease. While progress has been made in reducing the number of cases compared to 2024, the higher case fatality rate underscores the need for urgent action to address the underlying factors driving the outbreak. By strengthening community engagement, improving sanitation, and enhancing healthcare access, Nigeria can reduce the burden of Lassa fever and prevent further loss of life.
In conclusion, the NCDC’s latest report on the Lassa fever outbreak paints a complex picture of progress and challenges. The reduction in confirmed cases is a positive sign, but the increase in the case fatality rate highlights the need for sustained efforts to improve early detection, treatment access, and preventive measures. With 166 lives lost to Lassa fever in 2025 so far, the urgency of addressing this public health crisis cannot be overstated. The NCDC’s ongoing interventions, including rapid response teams and enhanced training programs, are critical steps toward controlling the outbreak. However, achieving lasting success will require a coordinated effort involving government agencies, healthcare providers, and communities to address the root causes of the disease and ensure that timely, affordable care is available to all those affected.
