Lassa fever death toll rises to 172

Lassa Fever Death Toll Climbs to 172 in Nigeria

In a sobering update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the death toll from Lassa fever in 2025 has surged to 172, marking a troubling escalation in the spread and lethality of the disease.

As of epidemiological week 40, the NCDC has confirmed 924 cases across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas, underscoring the widespread nature of the outbreak.

The latest situation report, released on Tuesday, reveals a case fatality rate of 18.6 percent, an increase from 17 percent recorded during the same period in 2024. This rise not only reflects the growing number of infections but also a concerning uptick in mortality linked to the virus. The agency emphasized that the bulk of confirmed cases are concentrated in five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi. These states collectively account for 90 percent of all infections, while the remaining 10 percent are distributed among 16 other states.

Week 40 saw a notable spike in new cases, with thirteen confirmed infections reported, all originating from Ondo State. This marks a significant jump from the four cases recorded in the previous week, signaling a potential hotspot and the need for intensified public health interventions in the region.

Demographically, the most affected age group falls between 21 and 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to 0.8. Encouragingly, the NCDC reported no new infections among healthcare workers during the period under review, a development that suggests improved protective measures and awareness among frontline medical personnel.

Despite this glimmer of hope, the NCDC has reiterated its call for heightened vigilance, improved hygiene practices, and prompt medical attention for suspected cases.

The agency warns that the recent surge in infections and fatalities highlights the persistent threat posed by Lassa fever, particularly in endemic regions of Nigeria.

As the country grapples with this public health challenge, the NCDC’s data serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustained surveillance, community engagement, and resource allocation to curb the spread of this deadly virus.