The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Wednesday, decried the worsening Lassa fever fatality rate, which has climbed to a cumulative of 159 deaths, with a deadlier Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6 percent, which is higher than the CFR of last year (17.2 percent) in its week 33 update.
This figure represents a significant deterioration compared to the same period in 2024, when the CFR stood at 17.2 percent.
The NCDC has expressed grave concern over the upward trajectory, describing the situation as “worsening” and calling for urgent, coordinated action to stem the tide of infections and prevent further loss of life.
Specifically, the NCDC reported five new confirmed cases in Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo states, showing a decrease from 12 in epidemiological week 32.
Giving a further breakdown, the NCDC reported cumulatively, as at week 33, 2025, that 159 deaths have been recorded, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6 percent—higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (17.2 percent).
In total for 2025, 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 106 local government areas, it stated.
According to NCDC, 99 percent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from five states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi), while ten percent were reported from 16 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
Of the ninety percent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 33 percent, Bauchi, 23 percent; Edo, 17 percent; Taraba, 14 percent, and Ebonyi, three percent.
The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years (range: 1 to 96 years; median age: 30 years), while the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected and confirmed cases has decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2024. No new healthcare worker was affected in reporting week 33.”
The agency’s statement underscores the pressing need for heightened surveillance, improved clinical management, and robust public health interventions.
The national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) will continue to support coordination of response activities at all levels, according to NCDC.
With the CFR now alarmingly high, the agency has also urged state governments, healthcare providers, and the general public to remain vigilant and proactive in combating the spread of the disease.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria, continues to pose a serious threat to national health security.
The latest figures serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the country’s disease control efforts and the critical importance of sustained investment in epidemic preparedness.
(Independent)
