Nigeria: 127 deaths and growing concern over Lassa fever outbreak

Since the beginning of the year, 674 cases have been confirmed out of 4,025 suspected cases, according to a statement from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The viral hemorrhagic disease has affected 18 of the country’s 36 states, with the majority of confirmed cases reported in Ondo, Edo (in the south), and Bauchi (in the north), which together account for over 70% of total infections.

The current case fatality rate stands at 18.8%, a slight increase from the 18.5% recorded during the same period in 2024. Young adults, particularly those aged 21 to 30, are the most affected, with a median age of 30. Men have been disproportionately impacted compared to women, with a ratio of 10 to 8.

Among the key challenges identified by the NCDC are limited access to healthcare, the high cost of treatment in some areas, and a lack of awareness in the most vulnerable communities. In response, a multisectoral incident management system has been activated to coordinate actions nationwide.

As a reminder, in 2024, Lassa fever had already caused 214 deaths across the country.