Lassa fever: Nigeria

In 2012 there have been widespread outbreaks in 19 of 36 States:

WHO WHO Report  The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed an increase in Lassa fever cases since January 2012. As of March 22,  623 suspected cases (108 patients confirmed), including 70 deaths have been recorded (see details on this Relief Web report and map).  Medical staff are reported to be among the fatalities.

In 2009 an increase in cases was reported in the Federal Capital Territory (including Abuja), and Ondo and Edo states. A case imported into the UK in January 2009 had travelled to Abuja and Anambra State.

The map below shows the areas previously thought to be at highest risk of Lassa fever.  Lassa, the town where the disease was first described, is marked in the northeastern province of Borno. The areas marked in red are where outbreaks of Lassa fever have historically been reported. Lassa has been reported sporadically from other areas of Nigeria, but the risk was considered likely to be low outside the main endemic areas, and to be very low along coastal swampy areas.

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(Map based on United Nations map No. 4228, January 2004)

Last reviewed: 19 April 2012