Laraba MUREY
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed that 166 Nigerians have died from Lassa fever between January and September 2025, raising concern over the country’s rising fatality rate.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said in a statement that Nigeria recorded 895 confirmed cases of the disease within the period, with a case fatality rate of 18.5 percent. He noted that while weekly cases slightly dropped from 13 in epidemiological week 36 to 11 in week 37, the death rate remains worrisome.
Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states were identified as the hardest-hit, accounting for about 90 percent of all confirmed infections. Overall, 21 states across 106 local government areas have reported outbreaks this year.
According to the NCDC, the majority of patients fall within the 21–30 age group, with a median age of 30 years. No new infections were recorded among health workers during the most recent reporting week.
Dr. Idris explained that rapid response teams have been deployed to high-burden states, alongside the distribution of protective equipment to treatment centres, training of clinicians, and intensified community sensitisation campaigns.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise hygiene, seek prompt medical care when symptoms occur, and for states to strengthen awareness efforts year-round.
The NCDC identified challenges such as late presentation of patients, high treatment costs, and poor awareness in rural areas as factors fueling the high death rate. It further warned that without stronger collaboration from state governments, the fatality rate could remain above previous thresholds.
So far this year, Nigeria has recorded 7,673 suspected Lassa fever cases, with research trials ongoing in Ondo State to improve treatment and control measures.
