Nigeria Nigeria's Lassa Fever Outbreak Kills 166, NCDC Reports 18.5% Fatality Rate

The Digest:

Nigeria's Lassa fever outbreak has claimed 166 lives in 2025, with a rising fatality rate surpassing last year's figures. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the epidemic has spread across 21 states and 106 local government areas, with 90% of confirmed cases concentrated in just five high-burden states.

Key Points:

• 166 deaths recorded from Lassa fever in 2025, with an 18.5% case fatality rate
• 895 confirmed cases reported across 21 states and 106 local government areas
• Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for 90% of all confirmed cases
• Young adults aged 21-30 represent the most affected demographic group
• NCDC reports challenges, including late hospital presentation and poor sanitation
• 23 healthcare workers have been infected since the beginning of the outbreak
• Response includes contact tracing, international collaboration, and community sensitization

This persistent outbreak reveals how public health systems navigate storms not just of disease, but of environmental factors and healthcare access challenges.

Rooted in the Storm.

Sources: Premium Times, NCDC
Tags: Lassa Fever, NCDC,