Lassa fever cases are once again on the rise across Nigeria, as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports an increase in infections and fatalities, despite ongoing health interventions.
In its latest Situation Report covering Epidemiological Week 22 (May 26 to June 1), released today (13-06-2025), the NCDC disclosed that eight new cases were confirmed in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa states—up slightly from the six cases recorded the previous week.
So far in 2025, the country has reported 747 confirmed infections and 142 deaths, translating to a case fatality rate of 19.0%, a slight rise from the 18.1% documented during the same timeframe in 2024.
The virus has now spread to 18 states and 96 local government areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states contributing 91% of the confirmed cases.
Although there were no reported infections among healthcare workers and no probable cases in the most recent week, several challenges remain.
Experts have highlighted issues such as delayed medical attention, inadequate sanitation in high-risk communities, and a lack of proactive health-seeking behavior—all of which hinder containment efforts.
Health officials have responded by stepping up interventions. The NCDC has deployed rapid response teams, initiated public awareness campaigns at the community level, and launched an online training platform for healthcare workers focusing on infection prevention and control.
Commenting on the recent surge, public health specialist Dr. Solomon Chollom emphasized the importance of community engagement and environmental hygiene. “We can’t rely solely on hospitals to contain Lassa. People need to be informed about transmission routes—especially through contact with rodent urine or droppings—and what measures they can take to protect themselves,” he said.
Dr. Chollom also pointed out that Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic to Nigeria, usually peaks during the dry season. However, he warned that the emergence of consistent year-round transmission likely reflects changing environmental conditions, urban development, and continued sanitation gaps.
The NCDC further reported that individuals aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected, underscoring the urgency for targeted awareness initiatives in schools, markets, and workplaces.
Experts are urging state governments and local authorities to strengthen waste management, enhance community health monitoring, and improve early disease reporting systems.
The country continues to grapple with several public health crises, including cholera and Mpox, the persistent Lassa fever outbreak underscores the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s health system and the need for unified and sustained action.
