The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 127 people across 18 states, with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states accounting for more than 70% of the confirmed cases. The latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reveals that between January and April 6, 674 confirmed cases were recorded out of 4,025 suspected infections.
According to the NCDC’s weekly situation report released on Tuesday, the disease continues to pose a significant health threat, with the fatality rate remaining high at 18.8%. This is slightly higher than the 18.5% reported during the same period in 2024, raising concerns among health officials and the general public.
Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states remain the epicenters of the outbreak, with these states contributing to over 70% of the confirmed cases. Ondo alone accounts for 30% of the total infections, while Bauchi and Edo follow with 25% and 16%, respectively. The NCDC has confirmed that these regions have the highest burden of the disease, and health experts are focused on controlling the spread in these high-risk areas.
In the 14th week of the year alone, five new deaths were reported, and 15 confirmed cases were identified across various states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe. The disease continues to spread rapidly in these regions, with authorities on high alert.
The NCDC has also pointed out that young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 are the most affected by Lassa fever, with the median age of infection reported as 30 years. The disease predominantly affects more males than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Despite the high death rate, the NCDC reported no new infections among healthcare workers during the last reporting period. However, the agency highlighted the continued risk to healthcare personnel, with a total of 20 health workers having been infected since the beginning of the year. This points to the ongoing challenges faced by the medical community in responding to the outbreak.
One of the main challenges in tackling Lassa fever, according to the NCDC, is the delayed presentation of cases in patients, as many individuals tend to seek medical care too late. Additionally, the high cost of treatment, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities contribute to the spread of the disease.
The disease is transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats, which are common in many parts of the country. It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or medical equipment. The symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
The NCDC has called on Nigerians, particularly those in high-risk areas, to take preventive measures seriously. These include avoiding contact with rats, ensuring proper sanitation in homes and communities, and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding occur.
In response to the ongoing outbreak, the Federal Government has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate national efforts to tackle the disease. The NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to affected states, including Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue, to improve surveillance and case management.
In addition to these efforts, the agency has launched community-based active case searches and geospatial risk mapping, in collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). These initiatives aim to better understand the spread of the disease and target interventions where they are needed most.
The NCDC is also running sensitization campaigns to educate the public on the risks of Lassa fever and the importance of preventive measures. This includes the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin (an antiviral drug), body bags, and hygiene kits to treatment centers. Public advisories and regular updates on the outbreak are being shared to keep the public informed.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any early symptoms of Lassa fever to health facilities immediately. The agency is focusing on a “One Health” approach, which involves engaging both human and animal health sectors to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes collaborating with local communities, animal health experts, and development partners to reduce the risk of further infections.
Lassa fever remains a significant health threat in Nigeria, and while the NCDC and other agencies are working hard to contain the outbreak, public cooperation is critical to reducing the spread of the disease. Health experts are calling for a heightened focus on sanitation and public health education, especially in regions most affected by the virus.
