The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 80 deaths among 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (February 3–9, 2025).
HEADLINENEWS reports that according to information on its official website, the case fatality rate increased to 19.4 percent, up from 17.5 percent during the same period in 2024.
The latest Lassa Fever Situation Report noted that 73 percent of the confirmed cases originated from three states—Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi—with Ondo accounting for 34 percent, Edo 21 percent, and Bauchi 18 percent of the cases. Confirmed cases have been recorded in 63 local government areas across the 11 affected states.
Despite the drop in new cases—from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6—the agency remains deeply concerned about the high fatality rate. Most cases involve individuals between 21 and 30 years old, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. Although no new infections among healthcare workers were reported this week, delayed presentation for treatment has contributed to the rising fatality rate.
The NCDC cited several challenges, including poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities. In response, it has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.
Key interventions include deploying National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue; training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue; and enhancing surveillance and contact tracing in affected areas.
Additionally, response measures involve the distribution of essential commodities—such as personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags—along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.
The NCDC is also collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and overall outbreak response. Meanwhile, Nigerians are urged to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodent droppings, and seek early medical attention if they experience symptoms like fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding.
As the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is ramping up case management training, rapid response coordination, and infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread.
Plans are underway for a nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders. For real-time updates and safety guidelines, Nigerians are advised to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line at 6232.
To further reduce infection risk, the NCDC recommends storing food in sealed containers, keeping homes clean to eliminate rodent hiding places, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding bush burning (which can force rats into homes), and seeking prompt medical care if symptoms such as fever, weakness, or bleeding occur. The agency stresses that Lassa fever is preventable and urges Nigerians to stay informed and take action to protect themselves and their families.
