In recent weeks, Lassa fever has emerged as a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with cases reported in several states. This viral disease, which first surfaced in 1969, has resurfaced in areas including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Cross River, and Kogi. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the outbreak is particularly alarming this year, with data indicating a high number of infections and fatalities.
From February 17 to 23, 2025, the NCDC reported 95 deaths linked to Lassa fever, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.8 percent, which mirrors the CFR for the same timeframe in 2024. This year alone, 12 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 70 Local Government Areas (LGAs). During the same period, the majority of confirmed cases — 73 percent — were concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states. The predominant age group affected appears to be young adults aged 21 to 30, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Subsequent reports from February 24 to March 2 revealed 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed infections, and 98 additional deaths, shifting the CFR to three percent for this period. Alarmingly, five states accounted for 91 percent of these confirmed cases.
Lassa fever, an acute viral fever, induces hemorrhagic symptoms that can be severe. It is spread through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, which thrive in environments characterized by poor sanitation and waste management. Common symptoms include high fever, stomach discomfort, respiratory issues, and, in extreme cases, bleeding from various bodily openings.
The annual outbreak of Lassa fever is typically observed between January and April, largely attributed to bush burning that displaces rodents into residential areas. Environmental and hygiene conditions favor the survival of rodents, thus increasing the risk of transmission. The NCDC emphasizes the need for greater public awareness regarding the dangers of rodent populations and encourages safe food storage practices to mitigate exposure.
Experts have pointed out that effective government measures could significantly reduce the incidence of Lassa fever but have criticized the pace of public health response efforts. More robust public education campaigns could have safeguarded many from contracting the disease. Moreover, calls have been made for the establishment of Lassa fever testing centers throughout Nigeria, along with enhanced isolation facilities in hospitals to handle the infectious nature of the virus.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The NCDC's report underlines that despite the slight decrease in CFR compared to previous years, Lassa fever remains a formidable public health threat, necessitating swift action. The data indicates that in 2025, young adults, specifically those aged between 21 to 30 years, are most affected by the disease.
The NCDC’s recent report highlights that records as of March 10, 2025, show 2,960 suspected cases, of which 563 have been confirmed, resulting in a total of 103 deaths. The case fatality rate has slightly decreased to 18.3 percent compared to 18.9 percent in 2024. A major portion of cases — 73 percent — has been reported in Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, with the remaining 27 percent spread across eleven other states, indicating the pervasive nature of the disease.
The public health agency continues to face challenges in controlling the outbreak. Poor health-seeking behaviors, late case presentations, and inadequate healthcare access in high-burden regions are compounding factors in the virus's transmission. To combat these obstacles, the NCDC has deployed National Rapid Response Teams to regions hit hardest by the disease, such as Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue, enhancing surveillance and case management efforts.
Healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue have undergone training as part of a bid to improve treatment strategies, with future training planned for Plateau and Taraba states. The NCDC has partnered with the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières to optimize case management responses to the outbreak.
Public awareness campaigns focused on personal hygiene and rodent control practices are being rolled out nationwide. The NCDC has advised Nigerians, especially those within vulnerable age groups, on preventative measures, urging them to keep food sealed and to seek medical assistance at the first sign of symptoms, which include fever, sore throat, and muscle pain.
As the season for Lassa fever continues, the NCDC calls for an increased vigilance and enhanced healthcare access to turn the tide against this infectious disease. Expanding laboratory capacities for rapid testing and treatment deployment is fundamental for reducing Lassa fever's toll. Detecting cases early and managing them promptly can significantly decrease mortality rates associated with this outbreak.
This current health crisis demands a collaborative effort from the government, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens to effectively confront Lassa fever and safeguard the health of the population. Together, a proactive stance can prevent further loss of life and alleviate the ongoing public health challenge posed by this disease.
