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Abuja, Apr 16 – Nigeria is grappling with a significant Lassa fever outbreak that has resulted in 127 deaths since the beginning of 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed on Tuesday.
The agency reported a total of 674 confirmed cases identified from 4,025 suspected cases across the nation. Eighteen of Nigeria’s 36 states have reported infections, with the southern states of Ondo and Edo, and the northern state of Bauchi, bearing the brunt, accounting for over 70% of all confirmed cases.
The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.8%, a slight increase compared to the 18.5% recorded during the same period last year. Data indicates that the outbreak is predominantly affecting young adults, with those aged 21-30 being the most impacted group (median age of 30). There is a slight male predominance among the infected individuals, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
Public health officials highlighted several challenges hindering response efforts, including poor health-seeking behaviours among populations in rural areas, the high cost associated with treatment in some regions, and limited awareness about the disease within high-burden communities.
In response to the escalating situation, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral incident management system to coordinate the national response strategy effectively.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, which are common in West Africa where the virus is endemic.8Person-to-person transmission is also possible, particularly in healthcare settings without adequate infection prevention and control measures.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 80% of individuals infected with the Lassa virus exhibit no symptoms. However, about one in five infections progress to severe disease, potentially affecting vital organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The WHO notes a case fatality rate of around 15% among patients hospitalized with severe Lassa fever.
The recurring nature of the threat was underscored by last year’s figures, where Nigeria recorded 214 deaths attributed to Lassa fever in 2024.
Authorities continue to emphasize the critical importance of early diagnosis and prompt supportive care, which significantly increase the chances of survival for patients with severe forms of the illness.
Disclaimer: This news article is based solely on the information provided in the prompt. The date of the outbreak onset (January 2025) is reported as stated in the source material.
