The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has linked the increase in Lassa Fever Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to late presentation of cases.
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for week 35 (25th – 31st August 2025) published by the NCDC on Tuesday, the country recorded 162 deaths from the disease this year.
“In week 35, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 3 in epi week 34 of 2025 to 10. These were reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Taraba States.
“Cumulatively as at week 35, 2025, 162 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6% which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (17.1%)”, the report said.
It further informed that in total for 2025, 21 states recorded at least one confirmed case across 106 Local
Government Areas.
Also, Ninety-one (91%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from five states (Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi) while 9% were reported from 16 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 91% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 33%, Bauchi 23%, Edo 18%, Taraba 14%, and Ebonyi 3%.
The NCDC noted that, the predominant age group affected was 21-30 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases was 1:0.8.
According to the Agency, the number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported for
the same period in 2024. No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 35.
Highlighting some challenges they face, the agency said:
“Late presentation of cases leading to an increase in CFR.
“Poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa
fever.
“Poor environmental sanitation conditions observed in high-burden communities.
“Poor awareness observed in high-burden communities”.
It however recommended that the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) bolster efforts all-year-round for community engagements on prevention of Lassa fever.
In addition, Healthcare Workers should Maintain high suspicion for Lassa fever and initiate timely referral and treatment.
Also, NCDC or Partners should strengthen state capacity to prevent, detect and respond timely to Lassa fever.
On its part, “the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues supporting coordination of response activities at all levels”, the agency said.
