Lassa fever surge: 162 deaths recorded in August — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a fresh rise in Lassa fever cases, with 162 deaths confirmed across 21 states as of epidemiological week 35 (August 25–31), according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

In its latest update released on Tuesday via its official website, the NCDC said 10 new confirmed cases were recorded in week 35, compared to three cases the previous week.

Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 7,375 suspected cases and 871 confirmed infections in 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6 per cent—higher than the 17.1 per cent documented during the same period in 2024.

The agency identified Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi as the nation’s hotspots, accounting for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases. Of these, Ondo accounted for 33 per cent, Bauchi 23 per cent, Edo 18 per cent, Taraba 14 per cent, and Ebonyi three per cent.

According to the NCDC, most patients fall within the 21–30 age bracket, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. It noted that although overall case numbers are lower compared to last year, the risks remain significant.

The Centre highlighted late presentation at health facilities, poor health-seeking behaviour due to treatment costs, and poor sanitation in high-burden areas as factors fueling the high death toll.

It further reported that no new healthcare worker infection was recorded in week 35, although 23 health workers have been infected since January. To strengthen response, the agency has deployed 10 rapid response teams to affected states, stepped up surveillance, and distributed medical supplies including ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and sanitizers.

The NCDC also announced plans to roll out a five-year strategic plan (2025–2029) for Lassa fever control.

It urged Nigerians—particularly in hotspot states—to prioritize hygiene, improve rodent control, and seek early medical care to curb the spread and reduce fatalities.

NAN explained that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in Nigeria, transmitted mainly through food or household items contaminated by infected rats. Human-to-human transmission, especially in healthcare settings without strict infection control, is also common.

Symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding, and in severe cases, organ failure. Nigeria bears the world’s highest Lassa fever burden, with most cases reported from Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi states.

The disease typically peaks in the dry season (December–April) and is often fatal when patients present late. Early treatment with ribavirin, combined with supportive care, offers the best outcomes.

Lassa fever remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest recurring outbreaks, driven by rodent exposure, poor sanitation, and delayed access to treatment.