Nigeria Grapples with Escalating Lassa Fever Outbreak: 152 Deaths, 811 Confirmed Cases in 2025
Nigeria is currently experiencing a significant and concerning surge in Lassa fever cases and associated deaths in 2025, according to the latest reports from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The country continues to grapple with the perennial outbreak of this acute viral hemorrhagic illness.
Current Situation (As of Epidemiological Week 28, ending July 13, 2025):
Confirmed Cases: The NCDC has reported a cumulative total of 811 confirmed Lassa fever cases across Nigeria in 2025.
Deaths: Tragically, 152 deaths have been recorded due to Lassa fever so far this year.
Case Fatality Rate (CFR): The current Case Fatality Rate stands at 18.7%. This is a concerning increase compared to the 17.3% CFR reported for the same period in 2024, indicating a higher proportion of severe outcomes among confirmed cases this year, even as the total number of suspected and confirmed cases might be slightly lower than in 2024.
Geographical Spread: Lassa fever has been reported in 21 states across 105 local government areas in Nigeria, highlighting its widespread presence.
Most Affected States: A significant majority, 89%, of all confirmed cases originated from just five states:
Ondo (32%)
Bauchi (23%)
Edo (17%)
Taraba (14%)
Ebonyi (3%)
The remaining 11% of confirmed cases were reported from 16 other states.
Recent Cases: In epidemiological Week 28, 11 new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Benue states, showing continued transmission.
Affected Age Group: The most affected age group remains those between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30 years.
Understanding Lassa Fever:
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, named after the town of Lassa in Borno State, Nigeria, where it was first identified in 1969. It is endemic in West Africa, with Nigeria being one of the most affected countries.
Transmission: The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of infected multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). Person-to-person transmission can also occur through direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily secretions of an infected person, particularly in healthcare settings without proper infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols is also a significant route.
Symptoms: Symptoms are often non-specific and can appear 1 to 3 weeks after infection. They may include fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In about 20% of cases, more severe symptoms can develop, such as bleeding from body openings (gums, nose, vagina), facial swelling, and shock. Due to its initial similarity to common illnesses like malaria and typhoid, early diagnosis can be challenging, often leading to delays in appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests like Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with the antiviral drug Ribavirin are crucial for improving survival rates. Supportive therapy, including fluid and electrolyte balance, is also vital.
Challenges and Response Efforts:
Despite ongoing efforts by the NCDC and its partners, several factors contribute to the persistent high number of cases and deaths:
Late Presentation: A significant number of cases are presented late to healthcare facilities, severely reducing the effectiveness of treatment. This is often linked to poor health-seeking behavior, low awareness levels in affected communities, and the high cost of treatment.
Poor Environmental Sanitation: The widespread presence of the multimammate rat, especially in rural areas with inadequate sanitation and waste management, facilitates the continuous transmission of the virus.
Healthcare Worker Infections: Healthcare workers remain at risk, with cases of infection reported due to inadequate IPC practices in some facilities, despite training efforts.
Underlying Health System Weaknesses: The recurring outbreaks highlight systemic vulnerabilities in Nigeria's health security infrastructure, including weak community-level surveillance and inadequate human and financial resources for rapid response.
The NCDC continues to implement various measures, including:
Activation of the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level 2 for improved coordination of national response.
Deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to affected states to support case management and contact tracing.
Distribution of essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin (injection and tablets), body-bags, thermometers, and hypochlorite hand sanitizers to states and treatment centers.
Conducting sensitization campaigns and providing training for health workers on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Strengthening diagnostic capabilities and laboratory networks across the country.
Collaborating with states to support the cost of treatment for Lassa fever patients.
The persistently high fatality rate underscores the critical need for sustained public awareness campaigns, improved hygiene practices, early diagnosis, and robust healthcare system preparedness to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
