The death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has risen to 172 since the start of this year, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The agency revealed that 924 confirmed cases have been recorded out of 8,041 suspected infections reported nationwide from January to October 2025.
In its latest situation report, the NCDC said the outbreak continues to spread across multiple states, primarily in the country’s central and southern regions.
Officials highlighted that poor sanitation, delayed medical response, and limited community awareness are key factors contributing to the sustained transmission of the virus.
The public health agency noted that the current case fatality rate stands at 18.6 percent, slightly higher than the 17 percent recorded during the same period in 2024.
The increase, it said, reflects ongoing challenges in early detection and treatment, particularly in rural and high-burden communities where access to healthcare remains limited.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent excreta, remains endemic in Nigeria.
The disease typically manifests with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
The NCDC stated that the most affected age group in this year’s outbreak is between 21 and 30 years old, representing a significant portion of Nigeria’s working-age population.
Health experts have warned that the continued spread of the virus could strain local health facilities already burdened by other infectious diseases, including cholera and malaria.
In response, the NCDC has intensified public health education campaigns and deployed rapid response teams to affected states. It has also strengthened surveillance and laboratory capacity to ensure faster diagnosis and containment.
“We are working closely with state health authorities to improve infection prevention and control measures at community and healthcare levels,” the agency said.
Public health specialists emphasize that improved sanitation, proper food storage, and early medical intervention are crucial to reducing transmission. They have urged communities to report suspected cases promptly and to avoid practices that increase contact with rodents.
As Nigeria continues to battle the outbreak, health officials reiterate the need for sustained public awareness and funding to combat Lassa fever, a disease that reemerges annually with devastating consequences for vulnerable communities.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
