LNigeria is currently battling a resurgence of Lassa fever, with 822 confirmed infections and 155 related deaths recorded so far in 2025, according to the latest update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figures, released in the agency’s Epidemiological Week 29 report, mark a significant rise in the disease’s fatality rate—now standing at 18.9%, up from 17.1% reported during the same period last year.
The update, which covers data collected between 14 and 20 July, paints a concerning picture of the country’s ongoing struggle with the viral haemorrhagic illness.
During the one-week reporting window alone, 120 suspected cases were identified, with 11 confirmed in Edo and Ondo states. Tragically, three more deaths were also reported, bringing the case fatality rate for that week to a staggering 27.3%.
The NCDC attributed the high mortality to several persistent challenges, including delayed hospital presentation, reluctance to seek professional medical care, and poor sanitary conditions in communities with a high disease burden.
“Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities continue to drive high mortality,” the agency noted.
Spread Across States and Demographics
So far in 2025, at least 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever. Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for a combined 89 per cent of the total cases, with Ondo State alone responsible for 32 per cent.
The disease is predominantly affecting young adults aged 21 to 30 years, with a slightly higher incidence in males. The NCDC reported a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8 among confirmed cases.
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Proactive Response Measures
Despite the grim statistics, the NCDC insists it is scaling up response efforts to curtail the spread of the disease.
Key interventions include the deployment of 10 Rapid Response Teams to affected states, extensive training and sensitisation of healthcare professionals, and the distribution of critical medical supplies such as Ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand sanitisers.
In addition, community awareness campaigns have been intensified in hotspot states like Bauchi, Edo, and Ebonyi to improve public knowledge of preventive practices.
The agency also confirmed that while 23 healthcare workers have been infected since January, no new infections among medical staff were recorded during the latest reporting period—a promising sign that containment protocols in clinical settings may be taking effect.
Strategic Preparedness and Public Advisory
As part of its long-term strategy, the NCDC has finalised a Lassa Fever Advocacy Toolkit and carried out readiness assessments in vulnerable states.
It is also set to unveil its 2025–2029 Lassa Fever Strategic Plan aimed at enhancing national preparedness and resilience against future outbreaks.
With the rainy season still in full swing—an environmental factor known to heighten rodent activity and virus transmission—the NCDC is urging Nigerians to take preventive measures seriously.
“Rodent control, environmental sanitation, and early hospital visits at the first sign of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding,” the agency advised.
Caution Against Misinformation
The NCDC further cautioned the public against misinformation and called for responsible media engagement to help curb the spread of the disease.
“The public is encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and use the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” the statement noted.
About Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats. Human-to-human transmission can also occur via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or unsterilised medical equipment.
Symptoms often include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal bleeding. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, the disease can lead to organ failure and death.
With infection rates rising and fatalities climbing, health experts are stressing the urgency of coordinated public health interventions and individual vigilance to stem the tide of one of Nigeria’s most persistent endemic threats.
