The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised fresh concerns over an increase in Lassa fever outbreaks across the country.
The agency expressed concerns as the death toll from the viral haemorrhagic disease rose to 155, with 822 confirmed cases recorded so far this year.
This brings the national case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.9 per cent, a higher figure than the 17.1 per cent recorded during the same period last year.
The figures were contained in the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, covering Epidemiological Week 29 (14 to 20 July).
According to the report, 120 suspected cases were reported across the country within the week, with 11 new confirmed cases from Edo and Ondo states, and three more deaths recorded.
The CFR for that single week stood at 27.3 per cent, underscoring what health authorities have called ‘a deeply concerning public health threat’ that demands urgent national attention.
‘Late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities continue to drive high mortality’, the NCDC said.
So far this year, at least 21 states and 105 local government areas have reported one or more confirmed cases. However, five states – Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi – account for 89 per cent of all confirmed cases, with Ondo alone contributing 32 per cent.
The NCDC noted that the disease is disproportionately affecting people aged 21 to 30 years, with a slight predominance in males over females (male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8).
Lassa fever cases drop, deaths rise in Week 3
Despite the growing toll, the agency said it has intensified response efforts to contain the spread.
‘Ten Rapid Response Teams have been deployed in affected states’, it said, adding that healthcare workers have been trained and sensitised to handle the situation.
The NCDC also said critical medical essentials, including Ribavirin (the antiviral medication used to treat Lassa fever), personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand sanitisers, have been distributed.
Community sensitisation campaigns, the agency added, have been ramped up in hotspot areas, particularly Edo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states, to raise awareness on prevention and early treatment.
On infection among health workers, the NCDC noted that although 23 healthcare workers have been infected since January, no new infections were recorded during Week 29 — a development it attributed to increased adherence to infection prevention and control measures.
In a move to bolster its long-term preparedness, the agency announced that it had finalised a Lassa Fever Advocacy Toolkit, conducted nationwide readiness assessments, and was set to roll out the 2025–2029 Lassa Fever Strategic Plan.
‘This strategic plan will guide Nigeria’s response to Lassa fever outbreaks over the next five years and strengthen national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to future outbreaks’, the report stated.
The rainy season, known to drive up rodent population and increase risk of transmission, remains a cause for concern. The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, stressing the importance of rodent control and general hygiene.
‘We must emphasise rodent control, environmental sanitation, and early hospital visits at the first sign of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and bleeding’, the agency warned.
It also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and urged media organisations and community leaders to help promote factual messaging on the disease to save lives.
‘The public is encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and use the toll-free line 6232 for any Lassa fever-related enquiries or reports’, the NCDC added.
