Summary of the 2025 Lassa Fever Toll
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that Lassa fever claimed 195 lives across 21 states by Epidemiological Week 49 of 2025. The death toll translates to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.2 percent, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Lassa fever in parts of Nigeria.
What the Numbers Tell Us
By late 2025, health authorities had tracked confirmed and probable cases through weekly surveillance. An 18.2 percent CFR indicates that roughly one in five identified cases ended in death, a statistic that alarms public health officials and prompts renewed emphasis on early detection, supportive care, and community prevention. The distribution across 21 states shows that the virus remains widespread, with regional hotspots driving the overall impact.
Why Lassa Fever Persists in Nigeria
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or droppings of infected Mastomys rats and, less commonly, through person-to-person transmission. Several factors contribute to ongoing transmission in Nigeria, including housing conditions that favor rodent exposure, seasonal variations, and gaps in rapid case detection and isolation in some communities. Health experts stress that early laboratory confirmation and aggressive supportive care can substantially reduce mortality.
What This Means for Public Health Action
In response to the 195 fatalities, NCDC and state health authorities are likely to intensify:
- Community outreach to improve rodent-proofing, sanitation, and safe storage of grains and food.
- Accelerated case finding, contact tracing, and early clinical management in clinics and hospitals.
- Training for healthcare workers on infection prevention, early recognition of symptoms, and appropriate isolation.
- Public health messaging to promote early presentation to healthcare facilities when symptoms such as fever, weakness, malaise, or abdominal pain appear.
Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can resemble other tropical illnesses: fever, headache, malaise, and potential abdominal or chest pain. If symptoms appear after exposure to rodent-infested environments or after travel to affected areas, individuals should seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare facilities can perform laboratory tests to confirm infection and initiate supportive care, which improves outcomes when started early.
Prevention at the Community and Household Level
Prevention remains a cornerstone of reducing Lassa fever fatalities. Practical steps include:
- Keeping all foods in rodent-proof containers and maintaining clean kitchen environments.
- Proper waste disposal and minimizing rodent access to living spaces.
- Washing hands regularly and using protective gear when caring for someone with suspected infection.
- Avoiding contact with blood and bodily fluids of sick individuals and seeking guidance from health professionals for safe care practices.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues its fight against Lassa fever, the 2025 data emphasize the need for sustained investments in surveillance, laboratory capacity, and community education. By combining rapid diagnosis with effective clinical management and robust prevention programs, health authorities hope to lower the case fatality rate in future epidemiological weeks.
