Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 80 Lives Across 11 States

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over a surge in Lassa fever cases, reporting 80 fatalities from 413 confirmed infections across 11 states.

In its latest epidemiological report covering Week 6 (February 3–9, 2025), the NCDC highlighted a concerning increase in the case fatality rate (CFR), which has climbed to 19.4% compared to 17.5% in the same period last year.

The report disclosed that Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states account for 73% of confirmed cases, with Ondo recording the highest burden at 34%, followed by Edo at 21% and Bauchi at 18%. A total of 63 local government areas in the affected states have reported infections.

Despite a decline in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the rising mortality rate remains a major concern. The NCDC noted that the most affected demographic is individuals aged 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

While no new infections were recorded among healthcare workers in the past week, the agency attributed the increasing death toll to delayed case presentations, poor health-seeking behavior, and high treatment costs. Limited awareness in high-risk communities further exacerbates the outbreak.

In response, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to strengthen outbreak control measures. Key interventions include:

– Deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.

– Training of healthcare workers on case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue.

– Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing across affected states.

– Distribution of essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags.

– Community sensitization and risk communication campaigns targeting 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 enhance diagnosis, treatment, and emergency response efforts.

As the outbreak intensifies, the agency urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, including proper hygiene, rodent control, and early medical intervention for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding.

“To reduce the risk of infection, citizens should store food in sealed containers, maintain clean homes, and avoid bush burning, which forces rodents into residential areas,” the NCDC advised.

A nationwide rodent control initiative and public awareness campaign is being developed in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other partners.

For real-time updates, safety guidelines, and emergency assistance, the NCDC encouraged Nigerians to visit [www.ncdc.gov.ng](http://www.ncdc.gov.ng) or call its toll-free line: 6232.

Emphasizing that Lassa fever is preventable, the agency reiterated its commitment to curbing the outbreak and safeguarding public health.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | February 24, 2025