A decrease in newly confirmed Lassa fever cases for Epidemiological Week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025) has been reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Nevertheless, the fatality rate remains worryingly high at 18.7%, with 100 deaths recorded this year thus far. According to the latest NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report, there were 29 new cases from nine different states, marking a significant dip from the 54 cases reported in the week prior.
The states affected are Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Cross River, Nasarawa and Enugu. A concerning pattern identified by the report is that a hefty 72% of all confirmed cases come from just three states; Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), and Edo (17%), rendering these areas as the main hotspots for the outbreak. The NCDC is also keeping track of Lassa fever cases amongst healthcare workers, with one confirmed case in Week 9.
This leads to a total of 17 healthcare professionals affected in 2025, highlighting the need for optimal preventive measures, proper supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs), and strict enforcement of infection prevention protocols in healthcare facilities. Several challenges continue to hinder the containment of Lassa fever, these include late identification of cases, low-health seeking behaviour due to expensive treatment, insufficient sanitation in high-risk communities, and inadequate public awareness. To mitigate these challenges, the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) has been set up in various states to provide technical support and bolster response coordination.
The NCDC is also working in tandem with major international health organisations, including organizations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Geneva and Georgetown Global Health Nigeria, to improve disease surveillance and enhance treatment outcomes. Despite a lower number of confirmed cases in 2025 compared to the previous year, the fatality rate remains virtually the same. This indicates that while there are fewer cases, the disease continues to be lethal, underlining the importance of improvements in early detection, accessibility to treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
It’s crucial to employ a proactive and multi-sectoral approach to reduce Lassa fever fatalities, with the onus on the state governments, donor agencies, and community leaders to step up awareness campaigns in affected areas. Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, spread primarily through contact with contaminated food or household items. It is particularly dangerous in healthcare settings if Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are not properly enforced.
A high burden of Lassa fever continues to present in Nigeria due to factors such as widespread rodent infestations, insufficient sanitation measures, and limited public awareness, which often delays diagnosis and treatment. Sustained investment in research, disease surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure is pivotal if Nigeria is to curb Lassa fever outbreaks in the future.
Source: https://sciencenigeria.com/lassa-fever-cases-decline-in-nigeria-but-fatality-rate-remains-high-ncdc/