Nigeria: 2025 Lassa Fever

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/lassa-fever-nigeria-reports-10-deaths-54-confirmed-cases/

Lassa fever: Nigeria reports 10 deaths, 54 confirmed cases
January 21, 2025
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, said that a total of 54 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 10 deaths were recorded in Nigeria out of the 196 suspected cases.

The cases according to NCDC were recorded between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025.

The report which was contained in the Lassa fever situation report obtained from the NCDC was from six states and 20 local government areas.

The report states: “In week 1, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 70 in epi week 52, of 2024 to 54. These were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Kogi States.

Cumulatively in week 1, 2025, 10 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.5 per cent which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (11.3 per cent).

“In 2025, six States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 20 LGAs.”

NCDC noted that 78 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 22 per cent were reported from three states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

The NCDC further explained that the number of suspected cases increased compared to the same period in 2024.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.tv360nigeria.com/new-lassa-fever-outbreak-in-edo-government-urges-vigilance/

New Lassa fever outbreak in Edo, government urges vigilance
Ogechukwu Ukekwe26 minutes ago​

The Edo State government says there is a new outbreak of Lassa Fever and called on the people to increase their vigilance to quickly report any suspected case and improve on their hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of some rodents particularly long mouthed rats which the major carriers.

The State Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole stated this at a press conference announcing the outbreak where he also disclosed that the government has activated the Incident Management Structure (IMS) and appointing Ekaete Tobi of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://newscentral.africa/edo-state-reports-36-lassa-fever-cases-8-deaths-in-early-2025/

Edo State Reports 36 Lassa Fever Cases, 8 Deaths in Early 2025
By Abdullahi Jimoh
January 25, 2025

​Edo State has reported 36 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and eight deaths since the epidemic year began on December 30, 2024, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.

A total of 336 suspected cases have been logged during this period.

Dr. Oshiomhole announced while officially declaring a Lassa fever outbreak in the state during a press briefing in Benin.

He highlighted the significant public health risks posed by the outbreak, emphasising the virus’s rapid transmission and potentially severe consequences if not promptly addressed.

Currently, 14 patients are receiving treatment at the Lassa Fever Treatment Centre in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://dailytrust.com/lassa-fever-outbreak-in-plateau-claims-2-lives/

Lassa fever outbreak in Plateau claims 2 lives
By Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 5:09:12 WAT

The Plateau State government has confirmed a fresh outbreak of suspected Lassa fever in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cletus Shurkuk, confirmed this to newsmen in Jos, the state capital, at the weekend, saying that two persons have lost their lives.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/ondo-govt-confirms-12-lassa-fever-deaths-112-cases/


February 13, 2025 by Osagie Otabor, Akure
Ondo govt confirms 12 lassa fever deaths, 112 cases

​Ondo State government has confirmed that 12 persons have been killed by lassa fever and 112 established out of 353 reported since the outbreak of the disease.

Acting Statistician-General of the state, Mr. Olusola Ajayi, stated this while addressing workers of the state Waste Management Authority.​..

 

[sharon sanders]

bump this

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/lassa-fever-outbreak-claims-70-lives-ncdc-reports/


February 14, 2025 by Dele Anofi
Lassa Fever outbreak claims 70 lives, NCDC reports

​The resurgence of Lassa fever in Nigeria has sparked concern, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming 70 fatalities so far in 2025.

Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, the country recorded 17 new deaths and 68 confirmed cases, including infections among healthcare workers.

According to the NCDC, Taraba, Ondo, and Edo states remain the epicentres of the outbreak. The agency’s latest report indicates 1,552 suspected cases and 358 confirmed infections, with the disease peaking during the dry season from December to April.

The hardest-hit states include Taraba with 18 deaths, Ondo with 17, and Edo with 11. Other affected states include Bauchi and Ebonyi, each reporting six deaths, Gombe with five, Kogi with four, and smaller counts from Plateau and Nasarawa.

This year, a staggering 75% of all confirmed cases have been concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi alone, specifically accounting for 37%, 20%, and 18% of the cases, respectively.

The age demographic most affected appears to be young adults, particularly those aged between 21 and 30 years.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://punchng.com/edo-records-83-lassa-fever-cases-13-deaths/


Edo records 83 Lassa fever cases, 13 deaths
17th February 2025​

The Edo Government has confirmed 13 deaths from outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

The Director of Public Health at the state Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, gave the update during an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Benin.

According to him, three cases of Mpox otherwise known as Monkeypox were also recorded, though with no fatalities.

Ojeifo noted that since the outbreak of Lassa fever was declared on December 30, 2024, the state had recorded 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases...

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 06: 03 - 09 February 2025
Data as reported by: 17:00; 09 February 2025
...
Nigeria
Lassa Fever

290 cases
53 Death
18.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Nigeria is currently facing an outbreak of Lassa fever,
with a significant increase in cases reported in early
2025. During epidemiological week 4 (20 - 26 January
2025), 76 new confirmed cases with 12 deaths were
reported from eight states: Ondo (25 cases, 2 deaths),
Taraba (17 cases, 6 deaths), Bauchi (14 cases, 1 death),
Edo (14 cases, 0 deaths), Ebonyi (3 cases, 1 death),
Gombe (1 case, 1 death), Nasarawa (1 case, 1 death),
and Kogi (1 case, 0 deaths).

From 30 December 2024 to 26 January 2025, a
cumulative total of 290 laboratory-confirmed cases with
53 deaths (CFR 18.3%) have been reported from 10
states across the country. Ondo (107 cases, 10 deaths),
Edo (61 cases, 10 deaths), Bauchi (49 cases, 5 deaths),
and Taraba (48 cases, 15 deaths) are the most affected
states, which together accounts for 91.4% of the total
confirmed cases and 75.5% of the deaths.

Cases range from 1 to 94 years of age, with a median
age of 32 years. Males are the most affected, accounting
for 52.6% (n=153) of the total cases reported Notably,
two healthcare workers have been infected.

Comparing the outbreak in 2025 to the same period in
2024, there has been a 12.4% increase in cases and a
10.4% increase in deaths, signalling a concerning trend.
The current rise in cases correspond to the usual period
of increase in Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, coming at the
beginning of the dry season in November with a sustain
increase until March.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(NCDC) activated the Lassa Fever Incident Management
System (IMS), with coordination from the National Public
Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). National
Rapid Response Teams were deployed using a One
Health approach, and a risk assessment for the 2025
outbreak season was conducted.

Enhanced surveillance continues in affected states. So
far, 1 171 suspected cases have been reported across the
country. The viral haemorrhagic fever Case Investigation
Form (CIF) database and monitoring of emergency
indicators are being updated.

There are eight laboratories across the country with
capacity to test for Lassa fever. External Quality Assurance
panel preparations are underway.

Confirmed cases are managed at designated treatment
centers, with updated guidelines on case management
and safe burial practices disseminated. A monthly case
management webinar, launched by Georgetown Global
Health Nigeria (GGHN) in collaboration with NCDC, is
ongoing.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) compliance is
reinforced through offsite support for treatment centers,
with IPC guidelines and advisories distributed to health
workers and facilities.

Public awareness efforts include media campaigns,
press releases, and community sensitization in hotspot
LGAs. A community survey in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo
states informed targeted communication strategies.
The Federal Ministry of Environment launched
environmental response campaigns in high-burden
states, including training workshops on rodent control
and Lassa fever prevention, in collaboration with
Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N).

A Lassa fever commodity distribution plan was
developed, ensuring the ongoing supply of oral Ribavirin
to hotspot states. Other essential response items,
including personal protective equipment, body bags,
thermometers, sodium hypochlorite, hand sanitizers,
and information, education, and communication (IEC)
materials, have been distributed to states and treatment
centers.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria highlights
the persistent public health threat posed by the disease,
with a notable increase in cases and deaths compared
to the same period in 2024. This trend underscores the
seasonal nature of Lassa fever, which typically increases
during the dry season. The infection, caused by the
Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted to humans through
contact with food or household items contaminated by
rodent urine or feces, with secondary human-to-human
transmission occurring in healthcare and household
settings.

The rising case numbers, coupled with infections
among healthcare workers, emphasize the urgent need
for improved infection prevention and control measures.
The activation of the national response system,
enhanced surveillance, and expanded laboratory
capacity demonstrate a proactive approach based
on Nigeria’s experience in responding to the disease
over the years. However, continued efforts in risk
communication and community engagement remain
crucial to curbing transmission and reducing mortality.

The distribution of essential commodities, including Ribavirin, PPE, and rodent control measures, is a positive step, but
sustained intervention is necessary to prevent further escalation of the outbreak.

​

​

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https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...other-emergencies-week-06-03-09-february-2025

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/2...s-to-80-as-outbreak-spreads-across-11-states/

Lassa Fever death toll soars to 80 as outbreak spreads across 11 States
23rd February, 2025
By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).

The NCDC disclosed this on its official website, noting that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 19.4 per cent, up from 17.5 per cent during the same period in 2024.

The latest Lassa Fever Situation Report revealed that 73 per cent of confirmed cases came from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo leading at 34 per cent, followed by Edo (21 per cent) and Bauchi (18 per cent).

It said a total of 63 local government areas in the 11 affected states had recorded confirmed cases.

“In spite of a drop in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.

“The affected age group is primarily 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.”​...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://9newsng.com/ncdc-confirms-new-lassa-fever-case-calls-for-caution/


NCDC Confirms New Lassa Fever Case, Calls For Caution
March 9, 2025 Deji Ogunsola

​The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever in a 31-year-old physician who had recently travelled to the United Kingdom.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Abuja, stating that the patient, who was diagnosed in Ondo State, unfortunately succumbed to the disease before the test results confirming the development.

Idris therefore raised an alert on the situation, stressing the need for heightened surveillance and precautionary measures, emphasising that the latest case highlighted the persistent threat of Lassa fever in Nigeria and the potential for international transmission.

According to the NCDC’s latest epidemiological report, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2025, with 98 deaths across 14 states.

9News Nigeria reports that part of the statement revealed that; “The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, indicating the severity of the disease.

“Five states, Ondo 31 per cent, Bauchi 24 per cent, Edo 17 per cent, Taraba 16 per cent, and Ebonyi 3 per cent account for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases.

“The most affected local government areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.”

He said that the confirmed case involved the Nigerian physician, who travelled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned on Feb. 27, 2025.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/heal...rds-29-new-cases-death-toll-rises-to-100.html


Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 29 new cases, death toll rises to 100
The NCDC noted that the number of new infections decreased from the 54 cases recorded in the previous week
byLeshi James
March 12, 2025


Nigeria has recorded 29 new Lassa fever infections and five deaths in one week, bringing the total fatalities recorded in 2025 to 100.

This was disclosed in the latest situation report published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Wednesday, from 24 February to 2 March.

The report highlights that the country has confirmed 535 cases of Lassa fever across 13 states and 75 local government areas (LGAs) this year.
States affected

According to the NCDC, the states with confirmed cases are Ondo (168), Bauchi (128), Edo (93), Taraba (83), Ebonyi (17), Kogi (14), Gombe (11), Plateau (Nine), Benue (Five), Nasarawa (Three), Cross River (Two), Delta (One), and Enugu (One).

In the reporting week, 29 new cases and five fatalities were reported across nine states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Cross River, Nasarawa, and Enugu...


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[Shiloh]

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/18/lassa-fever-benue-govt-confirms-2-isolated-cases-one-death/



Lassa fever: Benue Govt confirms 2 isolated cases, one death
Published on March 18, 2025
By Ejembi Ogwuche

The Benue State Government has confirmed one death from Lassa fever and two isolated cases of the viral disease in the state.

The victim died from complications related to Lassa fever before his test result was returned from the laboratory where it had been sent for diagnosis.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the State Epidemiologist, Dr Asema Msuega, during a chat with journalists in Makurdi.

He said blood samples were taken from seven suspected cases for laboratory testing, and three were confirmed positive for Lassa fever.

According to him: “Out of the three confirmed Lassa fever cases, one of them died even before the result came out, and two are currently receiving treatment at the Isolation Centre at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi.”

Msuega said contact tracing had begun for the relatives of the three confirmed cases, adding that four of their close contacts were already showing symptoms of Lassa fever...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://theguildng.com/ogun-govt-confirms-lassa-fever-outbreak-after-corp-members-death/

Ogun Govt. confirms Lassa fever outbreak after Corp member’s death
Fawzi Kehinde
26 March 2025​

The Ogun State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25 years old female National Youth Service Corps member who died after contracting the disease.

The deceased corper, who fell ill while in Ondo State, was admitted to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area , and succumbed to the illness recently, raising alarms over the spread of the viral hemorrhagic disease

In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, Ogun Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, revealed the outbreak’s first confirmed victim.

She stated, “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and as such declared Lassa fever outbreak, marking the official response to the crisis.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://dailytrust.com/lassa-fever-kills-118-in-q1-2025-ncdc/

Lassa fever kills 118 in Q1 2025 – NCDC
By Ojoma Akor
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 5:59:13 WAT

Lassa fever has claimed 118 lives between January and March this year, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.

The NCDC, in a statement Sunday signed by Sani Datti, Head of Corporate Communication, said the country recorded 3,465 suspected cases of Lassa fever across 91 local government areas in 33 states during the period.

It said, “Out of the above figure, 645 cases were confirmed, and sadly, 118 lives lost resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3%.”
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The agency said 20 healthcare workers have been infected: 8 in Ondo, 4 in Bauchi, 1 in Edo, 2 in Taraba, 1 in Ebonyi, 2 in Gombe, 1 in Benue, and 1 in Ogun State...


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[Shiloh]

Source: https://gazettengr.com/ondo-bauchi-edo-lead-as-ncdc-confirms-660-lassa-fever-cases-122-deaths/

Ondo, Bauchi, Edo lead as NCDC confirms 660 Lassa fever cases, 122 deaths
The DG stressed the importance of early presentation to health facilities to reduce fatalities.
News Agency of Nigeria • April 9, 2025

​The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has identified Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states as the epicentres of the Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

Briefing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that the states accounting for over 70 per cent of confirmed cases reported so far in 2025.

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.

It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.

Mr Idris said that the three states contributed 71 per cent of the 660 confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded between January and the end of March 2025, with Ondo accounting for 30 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, and Edo 16 per cent.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://leadership.ng/lassa-fever-case-uncovered-at-kano-teaching-hospital/

Lassa Fever Case Uncovered At Kano Teaching Hospital
Hafsat Bello Bahara
35 seconds ago

​A case of Lassa fever has been discovered at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), prompting urgent response efforts by hospital authorities and the Kano State Government.

The revelation came on Friday through Salisu Inuwa, spokesperson for the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Unit, during an interview with a local newspaper.

Inuwa said two suspected cases were reported at the hospital last week, with one later confirmed after laboratory testing.

“Last week, we had two suspected cases of Lassa fever. One of them, unfortunately, passed away before we could collect a sample for testing. The second patient came in walking and tested positive for Lassa fever,” Inuwa said...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2025/04/15/lassa-fever-outbreak-worsens-death-toll-rises-to-127/

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%).​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://punchng.com/nigeria-records-138-lassa-fever-deaths-in-15-states/

Nigeria records 138 Lassa fever deaths in 15 states
14th May 2025​
Lara Adejoro

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 717 confirmed Lassa fever cases out of 4,881 suspected cases from January to May 4, 2025, in 18 states, across 93 local government areas.

This was disclosed in the latest situation report by the NCDC on its website on Wednesday.

So far, the country has recorded 138 deaths with a Case Fatality Rate of 19.3 per cent.

The states with reported death cases are Ondo (27); Bauchi (15); Edo (19); Taraba (34); Ebonyi (11); Kogi (four); Gombe (seven), Plateau (five), Benue (five), Nasarawa (four), Kaduna (two), Enugu (one), Delta (two), Cross-River (one), and Ogun (one)...

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[Shiloh]

Source: https://leadership.ng/56-years-after-first-case-lassa-fever-turns-endemic-in-nigeria/

56 Years After First Case, Lassa Fever Turns Endemic In Nigeria
As the dry season sets in every year, so does a deadly but often overlooked threat and disease: Lassa fever. In this report, PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA explores the realities of living in a country where Lassa fever is a recurring menace.
By Patience Ivie Ihejirika
11 hours ago

Lassa fever has persisted as a public health burden in Nigeria, claiming lives, especially in rural and under-resourced communities.

First identified in 1969 in the town of Lassa in Borno State, the disease has since entrenched itself in the country’s epidemiological landscape, with seasonal outbreaks occurring between November and April.

Despite interventions, the fight against Lassa fever in the country remains far from over...

...Endemic states

So far in 2025, 18 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever, spanning 93 local government areas.

The Lassa fever situation report for Week 18 (Epidemiological Week 18) released recently by the NCDC, revealed that three states – Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba – account for 71 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo alone reported 30 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, and Taraba 16 per cent. The remaining 28 per cent were spread across 15 other states.

The States are: Ondo (215), Bauchi (180), Taraba (116), Edo (114), Ebonyi (21), Kogi (15), Gombe (14), Plateau (13), Benue (10), Nasarawa (5), Kaduna (3), Enough (3), Delta (2), Cross River (2), Borno (1), Ogun (1), F CT (1) and Anambra (1).

Deaths were reported in 15 states: Ondo (27), Bauchi (15), Edo (19), Taraba (34), Ebonyi (11), Kogi (4), Gombe (7), Plateau (5), Benue (5), Nasarawa (4), Kaduna (2), Enugu (1), Delta (2), Cross River (1) and Ogun (1).

Also, for (Epidemiological Week 17), Ondo, Bauchi and Taraba states were leading the surge, as the states collectively account for 71 per cent of confirmed cases this year.​...


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