The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
has confirmed 645 cases of Lassa fever and 118 deaths from January to March
2025, out of 3,465 suspected infections. The outbreak has spread across 91
local government areas in 33 states, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of
18.3%.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that 20
healthcare workers have been infected in multiple states, including Ondo (8),
Bauchi (4), Edo (1), Taraba (2), Ebonyi (1), Gombe (2), Benue (1), and Ogun
(1).
Emergency Response Measures
To curb the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed Rapid Response
Teams (RRTs) to 10 states: Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba,
Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa for a two-week intervention. Due to the evolving
situation, Edo and Taraba deployments were extended by 10 and 7 days,
respectively.
The Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC)
has been activated at Response Level 2, ensuring better coordination between
federal and state governments, local authorities, and development partners. The
NCDC has also distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and treatment
medications to affected states.
Challenges and Call for Support
Despite these efforts, the outbreak response faces challenges
such as:
§ Weak community-level surveillance
§ Limited human and financial resources
§ Manpower shortages at treatment
centres
§ Delayed medical intervention due to
self-medication and traditional practices
Dr. Idris urged state governments and the private sector to
support Lassa fever treatment costs, provide essential medical supplies, and
promote public health awareness campaigns.
He emphasized that prevention requires collective action,
advising healthcare workers to maintain strict Infection Prevention and Control
(IPC) measures and the public to practice environmental hygiene to prevent
rodent infestation, a key transmission factor.
The NCDC continues to push for improved public awareness,
early treatment, and stronger healthcare infrastructure to effectively combat
the outbreak.
