The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has spiraled out of control, with the death toll reaching 80, according to the latest report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The outbreak, which has spread across 11 states, is now a pressing public health emergency, with concerns mounting over the rising fatality rate and limited response capacity.
As of the first week of February 2025, a total of 413 confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been reported, with the infection claiming the lives of 80 individuals. This represents a sharp increase in fatalities compared to the same period last year, where the death toll stood at 17.5% of cases.
The states most affected by the outbreak are Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, which together account for a staggering 73% of all confirmed cases. Ondo, the worst-hit, leads the charge with 34% of cases, followed by Edo with 21%, and Bauchi with 18%. In total, 63 local government areas across the 11 affected states have confirmed cases, highlighting the widespread nature of the disease.
Despite a slight reduction in new cases—down from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6—officials remain deeply concerned by the outbreak’s high fatality rate. The NCDC’s report reveals that the vast majority of the confirmed cases are from the 21 to 30 age group, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. Experts suggest that this demographic is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as urbanization and lifestyle, with many young adults living in close quarters with rodents, which are the primary carriers of the virus.
Challenges in Containment Efforts
The National Centre for Disease Control has cited a range of challenges that have exacerbated the outbreak’s spread. Health experts point to delayed presentations by patients, where symptoms are ignored or mistaken for other illnesses until it is too late to provide effective care. “When patients seek care late, the disease is often already in its advanced stages, making it more difficult to treat,” said Dr. Amara Okoro, an epidemiologist at the NCDC. This delay, coupled with high treatment costs and poor health-seeking behavior, has contributed significantly to the high fatality rate.
Another major challenge identified by the NCDC is limited awareness in many of the affected communities. In rural areas, where Lassa fever is endemic, there is often a lack of understanding about the disease’s transmission and prevention. This, according to NCDC officials, has allowed the virus to spread more easily. “We have communities where people still don’t recognize the danger of rodent exposure, and as a result, preventive measures are not followed,” said Dr. Adebayo Omojola, a public health officer.
NCDC’s Response Plan
In response to the escalating crisis, the NCDC has activated its National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS), a coordinated response effort aimed at curbing the outbreak. As part of the response, National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) have been deployed to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue states, where new cases have been reported. The NCDC is also enhancing surveillance and contact tracing efforts in the affected states, while distributing critical medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin (an antiviral treatment), thermometers, and body bags.
Additionally, healthcare workers are being trained in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states to ensure proper treatment and improve survival rates. “Training healthcare workers is a top priority because early and correct intervention can make the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Okoro.
Alongside these efforts, the NCDC is rolling out an extensive community sensitization campaign in high-burden areas, aimed at educating the public about preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent control, and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly.
International Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Lassa Fever
The NCDC is not working in isolation; it has enlisted the help of international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to bolster Nigeria’s response. These agencies are providing critical support in improving diagnostic capabilities, treatment protocols, and overall outbreak management.
“We are collaborating with the NCDC to ensure that diagnostic services are improved so that patients can be quickly identified and treated,” said Dr. Julian Kundi, an MSF epidemiologist. “Early detection is key to reducing fatalities in this outbreak.”
Preventive Measures for Nigerians
The NCDC continues to urge Nigerians to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their families from Lassa fever. The disease, which is transmitted through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, can be avoided by keeping homes clean and free of rodent infestations. The agency has recommended that food be stored in sealed containers to prevent contamination, and that all rodent hiding places around homes be eliminated.
In addition, Nigerians are urged to practice good hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water, and to avoid contact with sick individuals, especially those who exhibit symptoms of fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding. “These are the classic symptoms of Lassa fever, and anyone experiencing them should seek medical attention immediately,” Dr. Omojola advised.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Action
With the Lassa fever season now in full swing, the NCDC is intensifying efforts to reduce the impact of the outbreak. A nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign is scheduled to roll out in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N), a health communication initiative.
As the death toll rises, the urgency of containing the outbreak has never been more critical. “We are at a critical point in this outbreak,” said NCDC spokesperson, Dr. Amina Abdullahi. “Everyone must play their part by adhering to preventive measures and seeking care early.”
The NCDC continues to update the public on the latest developments and encourages Nigerians to stay informed through its website and toll-free helpline. For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC urges Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232.
In the face of this deadly outbreak, Nigerians are being urged to take swift action to prevent further loss of life and curb the spread of Lassa fever across the nation.
