Lassa Fever: Death toll hits 191 as cases rise

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… as NCDC warns of increasing fatality rate

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By Chioma Obinna

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The death toll from the outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria has risen to 191, with health authorities warning over increasing infections recorded across several states in the country.

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According to the report, 23 states across 106 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case this year.

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The report revealed that a heavy concentration of infections continues to be seen in just five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue — which account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases.

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Bauchi and Ondo alone contribute 26 per cent each, followed by Taraba (16%), Edo (9%) and Benue (7%).

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Also, data showed that the 21–30 age group remains the most affected, with cases spanning ages from 1 to 90 years and a median age of 30. The report also noted a near-balanced gender distribution, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9.

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The NCDC further confirmed that one healthcare worker was newly infected in Week 18, underscoring ongoing risks to frontline responders despite intensified infection prevention measures.

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The NCDC said the rising infections reflect persistent gaps in early detection and community response.

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“We are seeing late presentation of cases in many communities, and this continues to drive preventable deaths.

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“The high fatality rate is a clear signal that people are arriving at treatment centres too late.”

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The agency noted that while suspected cases have declined, confirmed infections are rising, suggesting improved detection but also sustained transmission in high-burden areas.

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The report warned that the CFR of 24.6 per cent remains dangerously high, indicating weak health-seeking behaviour and delayed access to care.

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“Lassa fever is treatable when detected early, but we are still losing too many lives because patients come in late.”

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The NCDC said it has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System (IMS) nationwide and intensified response activities, including the following: Infection prevention and control (IPC) training for healthcare workers in Ondo and Ebonyi, deployment of rapid response teams to high-burden states, prepositioning of PPE across treatment centres? community sensitisation campaigns with traditional and religious leaders and expansion of ring IPC strategies in Benue and other hotspot states

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The agency added that it is working with partners, including WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, MSF, ALIMA, and RTI International, to strengthen surveillance and outbreak control.

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The agency urged states to intensify year-round prevention efforts, particularly environmental sanitation and rodent control, which remain key drivers of transmission.

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“All stakeholders must sustain community engagement and strengthen infection prevention practices in both health facilities and households,” the report advised.

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The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to reducing fatalities through early detection, improved treatment access, and strengthened healthcare worker protection.

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