The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 118 deaths from Lassa fever between January and March 2025. During this period, 3,465 suspected cases were recorded across 91 local government areas in 33 states, with 645 confirmed cases, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.3%.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NCDC’s Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Datti, 20 healthcare workers were among those infected, with cases reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Gombe, Benue, and Ogun states.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 10 high-burden states, including Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa. Due to the severity of the outbreak in Edo and Taraba, response efforts in these states were extended by an additional 10 and 7 days, respectively.
To enhance coordination and strengthen control measures, the NCDC activated the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level 2. This activation facilitates collaboration among federal, state, and local government authorities, as well as development partners.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, highlighted the agency’s efforts in distributing essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPEs) and treatment medications, to affected states. State-specific advisories have also been issued to guide prevention and control measures.
Despite these interventions, several challenges persist, including weak community surveillance, limited human and financial resources for treatment and contact tracing, and delays in seeking medical care. Many patients resort to self-medication and unorthodox treatments, further complicating the response.
Lassa fever kills118 Nigerians in 1st quarter of 2025
Dr. Idris urged state governments to support the cost of treatment for Lassa fever patients and called on the private sector to contribute to medical supply distribution and public health awareness initiatives.
The NCDC emphasized that preventing Lassa fever requires collective action. Healthcare workers must consistently adhere to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, while citizens should maintain proper hygiene to prevent rat infestations, which are a primary source of transmission.
The agency reiterated that maintaining a clean environment, properly storing food, and limiting rodent access to homes remain the most effective preventive measures against Lassa fever.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://www.binance.com/register?ref=IHJUI7TF