Despite intensified public health interventions, Lassa fever continues to claim more lives in Nigeria, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming 152 deaths in the first 28 weeks of 2025.
According to the agency’s latest situation report released on Monday, this is a higher case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7%, compared to 17.3% recorded in the same period last year.
The report revealed 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections across 21 states and 105 local government areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi identified as the worst-hit states.
While the overall number of confirmed cases has seen a slight drop compared to 2024, the increase in fatalities has raised concerns about gaps in health-seeking behaviour and timely access to treatment.
“We are witnessing a slight decline in the total number of confirmed cases compared to 2024, but the fatality rate has increased,” it said,” the NCDC said.
The centre attributed the rising deaths to factors such as late presentation to health facilities, poor awareness, and limited access to early treatment.
In epidemiological week 28, 11 new confirmed cases and one death were recorded, with infections reported from Ondo, Edo, and Benue. The report noted that no healthcare workers were affected during this period.
The most affected age group remains those between 21 and 30 years, with a nearly equal gender distribution, according to the report.
Targeted Health Interventions Underway
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed 10 National Rapid Response Teams to high-burden states, using a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health strategies.
“INTEGRATE Clinical Trials have commenced in Ondo state to support improved case management. Healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states have received targeted training to strengthen clinical response,” the agency said.
To support infection control, the NCDC has launched a new e-learning platform for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), backed by the Global Fund. It has also distributed medical countermeasures such as Ribavirin, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and disinfectants to affected states and treatment centres.
Community sensitisation campaigns and environmental hygiene drives are ongoing in collaboration with WHO, Nigeria Health Watch, Pro-Health International, IHVN, and other partners.
Challenges Persist Amid Response Efforts
Despite these efforts, the NCDC acknowledged significant setbacks that continue to hamper effective control of the disease.
These include:
Late presentation of symptoms, leading to delayed treatment and higher death rates
Poor environmental sanitation, especially in rodent-prone communities
Low public awareness, particularly in hard-to-reach areas
High cost of treatment, which discourages people from seeking timely care
The agency stressed that public engagement remains critical in reducing Lassa fever fatalities.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or bleeding.
It also reminded the public to report suspected cases via its 24-hour toll-free line: 6232 and to follow official health advisories.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through exposure to infected rats and their excreta. It can also spread through person-to-person contact via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment.
Food & Wellbeing1 year ago