Lassa fever outbreak worsens, death toll rises to 127

Daily Post Nigeria Lassa fever outbreak worsens, death toll rises to 127 Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Health Lassa fever outbreak worsens, death toll rises to 127 Published on April 15, 2025 By Kabeer Bello The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a continued rise in Lassa fever cases, with 15 new confirmed infections and five additional deaths recorded in Week 14 of 2025 (March 31 – April 6). The latest figures show that 674 cases have been confirmed from a total of 4,025 suspected cases across 18 states and 93 local government areas. So far, 127 deaths have been recorded, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.

8%—slightly higher than the same period last year (18.5%). According to the NCDC, the epicentres of the outbreak remain Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states, which together account for 71% of all confirmed cases.



Ondo leads with 30%, followed by Bauchi (25%) and Edo (16%). To tackle the growing threat, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate national response activities. It has also deployed rapid response teams to the most affected areas and supplied treatment centres with essential items such as personal protective equipment (PPEs) and antiviral medications.

The agency urged Nigerians to prioritize environmental hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek early medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headache, or unexplained bleeding occur. Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, poses a recurring public health threat, especially during Nigeria’s dry season. Despite decades of awareness, the disease continues to claim lives, strain healthcare resources, and highlight gaps in public health infrastructure and disease surveillance.

Related Topics: Lassa Lassa death toll Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Don't Miss Women in Jigawa decry lack of family planning commodities You may like 20 AKTH Staff test negative for Lassa fever Lassa Outbreak: Bauchi State takes center stage as NCDC deploys resources NCDC reports 70 deaths, 358 confirmed cases of lassa fever in 2024 Lassa fever: Lagos govt raises alarm, orders surveillance Lassa fever hits Plateau, kills one student, 3 others infected Lassa outbreak: Ogun govt dismisses fear virus may spread Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd.