Abuja | Hobnob News — The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a grim report detailing 366 deaths linked to Lassa fever and meningitis across 24 states, underscoring a persistent public health crisis in the country.
Between January 1 and May 18, 2025, Nigeria recorded 733 confirmed cases of Lassa fever from 5,118 suspected infections in 18 states and 95 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The disease claimed 141 lives, reflecting a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.2%, a slight rise from 18.3% in 2024.
Edo, Ondo, Bauchi Hit Hardest by Lassa Fever
According to the NCDC, Ondo (30%), Bauchi (25%), and Edo (17%) account for 72% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases. The affected population is primarily aged 21–30, with a median age of 30 and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
The report highlighted a sudden increase in infections during epidemiological week 20, with 13 new cases emerging in Edo, Ondo, and Benue — a sharp rise from just 3 cases the previous week.
Despite this surge, the NCDC noted a decline in overall Lassa fever activity compared to the same period in 2024. Encouragingly, no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the latest review.
To boost coordination, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System has been activated at all levels to guide response efforts across the country.
Meningitis Death Toll Rises to 225
In a parallel outbreak, meningitis has claimed 225 lives between September 30, 2024, and April 6, 2025. During this period, 192 confirmed cases were recorded from 2,911 suspected cases across 24 states and 173 LGAs, with a 7.7% case fatality rate.
Children aged 5–14 years were the most affected demographic, with males accounting for 60% of all meningitis cases. The NCDC said 97% of suspected cases were traced to 10 northern states, including:
Kebbi (1,423 suspected cases)
Sokoto (450)
Katsina (302)
Jigawa (160)
Yobe (165)
Gombe (77)
Borno (84)
Adamawa (38)
Kano (38)
Bauchi (81)
National Emergency Response in Motion
To tackle the twin outbreaks, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre, coordinating closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and international development partners.
Weekly coordination meetings are held with affected states, while technical support is being provided both remotely and on-site to strengthen surveillance, treatment, and containment measures.
“Our response continues at full scale,” said the agency. “We remain committed to supporting sub-national efforts to protect lives and reduce the impact of these deadly diseases.”
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