Lassa fever has claimed 118 lives in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The country has recorded 645 confirmed cases between January and March, resulting in a case fatality rate of 18.3%. The outbreak has raised serious concerns among health authorities as efforts are being intensified to contain the spread of the virus.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, posing a significant risk to healthcare workers.
In response to the escalating outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has strengthened its support to the Nigerian government and health authorities. Efforts include enhancing early detection, case management, and infection prevention measures. The most affected states—Benue, Edo, Ondo, Taraba, Bauchi, and Ebonyi—have received targeted interventions, such as the deployment of rapid response teams, training for healthcare workers, and community awareness programs focusing on prevention strategies like waste management and rodent control.
Despite these efforts, several challenges persist. Poor sanitation in rural areas facilitates the spread of the virus, while delays in seeking medical care, reliance on self-medication, and shortages of healthcare staff further complicate containment efforts. Authorities continue to push for improved environmental hygiene and better access to healthcare to mitigate the impact of the disease.
The NCDC is collaborating with international partners to enhance surveillance, laboratory testing, and public health education. The public is urged to store food properly, maintain cleanliness to deter rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, and bleeding occur. Healthcare workers have been advised to adhere strictly to infection prevention protocols to minimize the risk of transmission in clinical settings.
As health agencies intensify their response, continued public cooperation and awareness will be crucial in controlling the spread of Lassa fever and reducing fatalities in Nigeria.