NCDC records 172 Lassa fever deaths across 21 states

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says 172 deaths have been recorded from Lassa fever across 21 states, marking a worrying rise in fatalities as the country battles persistent transmission of the viral disease.

In its Week 40 Situation Report (Sept. 29–Oct. 5), the agency said the deaths represent a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.6 percent, higher than the 17 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.

A total of 924 confirmed cases and 8,041 suspected cases were reported from 106 Local Government Areas, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states accounting for 90 percent of all confirmed cases. Ondo state, which is the epicentre of the outbreak, contributed 35 percent.

The report showed that confirmed infections climbed from four in Week 39 to 13 in Week 40 — all from Ondo. The 21–30 age group was most affected, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8, while no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the week.

The NCDC attributed the high fatality rate to late presentation of cases and poor health-seeking behaviour among residents of high-burden communities. It also cited poor environmental sanitation and low awareness as major drivers of the spread.

To strengthen response efforts, the agency said it had deployed 10 national rapid response teams to affected states using a One Health approach. Other ongoing activities include the training of healthcare workers, risk communication campaigns, and the distribution of essential medical commodities such as Ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPE), and thermometers to treatment centres.

The centre added that the INTEGRATE clinical trial in Ondo state, capacity-building workshops for clinicians, and environmental health campaigns in high-burden areas were also part of current interventions.

It urged states to improve community engagement, ensure early case detection and referral, and called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and initiate timely treatment to reduce deaths.

Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria, spreads mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rats. It can also be transmitted person-to-person, particularly in healthcare settings without strict infection control.

The disease causes fever, vomiting, weakness, and bleeding, and can lead to organ failure in severe cases.

Nigeria continues to record the highest global burden of Lassa fever, with most cases concentrated in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi states. Infections typically peak during the dry season (December–April) and early diagnosis and treatment remain key to survival.