By John Moses
Nigerian health officials have raised alarm over a growing number of Lassa fever-related deaths, as the virus continues to spread across the country, particularly in the south and north-central regions.
In its latest situation report for the first week of June 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed 143 deaths among 758 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year. The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.9%, surpassing the 17.8% reported during the same period in 2024.
The weekly report, covering 2–8 June, noted an increase in new infections, with 11 cases detected in four states: Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba. This follows a previous week’s count of eight new cases.
So far in 2025, 18 states have reported confirmed cases, but the vast majority of infections—90%—have been recorded in just five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi.
The disease continues to impact predominantly young adults aged between 21 and 30, and one additional health worker has been infected, pushing the year’s total to 23 healthcare personnel affected.
The NCDC has attributed the rising numbers to delayed access to treatment, high treatment costs, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient public knowledge about Lassa fever in affected regions.
In response, the agency has activated national emergency response mechanisms, including a multi-agency Incident Management System and the deployment of Rapid Response Teams to high-burden states. Additional interventions include healthcare worker training, infection control e-learning platforms, community education, environmental interventions, and media outreach.
“Improved hygiene, early medical attention, and avoidance of rodent contact are crucial in containing the disease,” the NCDC urged in its statement.
Lassa fever, which causes fever and bleeding in severe cases, is a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, commonly spread through contact with infected rodent waste.
