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Abuja, Nigeria – May 17, 2025:
The death toll from the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has climbed to 138 since the start of the year, according to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The viral hemorrhagic disease continues to pose a significant threat in Africa’s most populous country, with 717 confirmed cases reported so far.
The NCDC’s latest update reveals that at least 18 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have been affected. The southern state of Ondo, along with Bauchi and Taraba in the north, are the hardest hit, together accounting for over 71 percent of all confirmed cases. The agency noted that these regions remain persistent hotspots despite ongoing nationwide interventions.
With the latest fatalities, the case fatality rate has surged to 19.2 percent, a figure the NCDC calls “alarming.” The majority of cases are among young adults aged 21 to 30, with the median age of infection at 30 years. More males than females have been affected, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
The NCDC identifies several challenges in controlling the outbreak, including poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs in some areas, and limited awareness in high-burden communities. In response, the agency has activated a multi-sectoral incident management system to coordinate efforts across the country.
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.
In 2024, Nigeria recorded 214 deaths from Lassa fever, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the disease.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and reports by Dynamite News. The situation is evolving, and readers are advised to consult official health sources for the latest updates and guidance.
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