Lassa Fever in Nigeria: 127 Lives Lost in Q1 2025, but Infections Are on the Decline

In the first quarter of 2025, Lassa fever has claimed 127 lives across Nigeria, with 674 confirmed cases reported, according to the latest update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

While the numbers are still alarming, there’s a silver lining—a noticeable decline in infections and deaths compared to the same period in 2024.

📉 Year-on-Year Decline Brings Some Relief

According to the NCDC’s week 14 epidemiological report, the number of confirmed Lassa fever cases dropped from 817 in 2024 to 674 in 2025, reflecting improved awareness, response strategies, or seasonal factors.

Fatalities also decreased, falling from 151 deaths in Q1 2024 to 127 deaths this year. However, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) slightly increased to 18.8% in 2025, compared to 18.5% in the same period last year—highlighting that while there are fewer cases, the severity of the disease remains high.

📍 Where Are the Cases Coming From?

Lassa fever is still spreading across the country, with 18 states reporting at least one confirmed case, spanning 93 local government areas.

Three states continue to carry the burden:

• Ondo State: 30% of all confirmed cases
• Bauchi State: 25%
• Edo State: 16%

Together, these three states account for 71% of all confirmed cases in 2025.

🧑‍⚕️ Who Is Most Affected?

The most affected age group is young adults between 21–30 years old, with a median age of 30. The gender distribution shows a slight male dominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

On a positive note, no healthcare worker was infected in the latest reporting week (week 14), a sign that infection control measures in medical facilities may be working.

⚠️ Week 14 Snapshot: A Slight Uptick

In the most recent week, 15 new confirmed cases were reported—slightly up from 14 the week before. These were recorded in:

• Ondo
• Bauchi
• Edo
• Taraba
• Ebonyi
• Gombe

The NCDC also noted that the number of suspected cases has decreased overall when compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a downward trend in transmission.

💡 What You Should Know About Lassa Fever

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness, primarily spread by contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces. Person-to-person transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings without proper protective measures.

Early symptoms often resemble those of malaria or typhoid and include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Left untreated, the disease can progress to more severe complications, including bleeding, organ failure, and death.

✅ Stay Safe, Stay Informed

The NCDC urges the public to:

• Store food properly to avoid rodent contamination
• Keep environments clean and rodent-free
• Seek medical help early if symptoms arise
• Avoid self-medication

As Nigeria continues to battle seasonal outbreaks like Lassa fever, community awareness and prompt medical attention remain the best defenses.

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