The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 80 deaths from 413 Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025). The agency, in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, noted that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 19.4%, up from 17.5% in the same period in 2024.
According to the report, Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 73% of confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at 34%, followed by Edo at 21% and Bauchi at 18%. A total of 63 local government areas in these states recorded infections. While the number of new cases declined from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the NCDC remains concerned about the high fatality rate, partly attributed to delayed case presentations.
The agency identified poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden areas as key challenges in tackling the outbreak. In response, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate interventions, including:
- Deploying National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.
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Training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue.
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Enhancing surveillance and contact tracing in affected states.
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Distributing protective equipment, antiviral drugs, and essential response materials.
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Conducting community sensitisation and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.
The NCDC is also collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and other partners to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response.
To prevent infection, Nigerians are urged to:
- Store food in sealed containers to prevent rodent contamination.
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Keep homes clean and eliminate rodent hiding places.
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Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
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Avoid bush burning, which drives rats into homes.
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Seek medical attention early if experiencing fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding.
The NCDC emphasised that Lassa fever is preventable and encouraged Nigerians to stay informed. For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the agency advised visiting www.ncdc.gov.ng or calling the toll-free line 6232.
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