Nigeria's Lassa Fever Outbreak Worsens, Death Toll Reaches 172

The death toll from Nigeria's Lassa fever outbreak has risen to 172, with 924 confirmed cases reported across 21 states, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The current Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.6% is higher than the 17% recorded during the same period in 2024. The outbreak is heavily concentrated in five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—which together account for 90% of all confirmed cases. Ondo State alone represents 35% of the national case load.

The NCDC attributes the high fatality rate to several factors, including patients seeking medical care too late, poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate environmental sanitation, and low awareness in high-burden communities. The disease typically peaks during the dry season, from December to April.

In response, the NCDC has deployed 10 national rapid response teams to the most affected states, employing a "One Health" approach. The agency is urging state governments to intensify community engagement and improve early case detection. It has also called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever to ensure prompt treatment and reduce deaths.