An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
Feb. 23, 2025
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 80 deaths from 413 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).
The NCDC disclosed this information on its official website, noting that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 19.4 per cent, up from 17.5 per cent in the same period in 2024.
The latest Lassa Fever Situation Report revealed that 73 per cent of confirmed cases came from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo leading at 34 per cent, followed by Edo 21 per cent and Bauchi 18 per cent.
It said a total of 63 local government areas in these 11 states had recorded confirmed cases.
“In spite of a drop in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.
“The affected age group is primarily 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.
The NCDC said while no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, delayed case presentations had contributed to the rising fatality rate.
The NCDC pointed to poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges.
To address the outbreak, the NCDC had activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.
“The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.
“The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.
“Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”
The NCDC stated that it was also collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response.
The agency urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if symptoms like fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding occur.
“As the Lassa fever season peaks, the NCDC is intensifying case management training, rapid response coordination, and infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread.
“A nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign is being planned in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.
“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232.”
“Keep homes clean and eliminate rodent hiding places.
“Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water.
“Avoid bush burning, which drives rats into homes, increasing the risk of infection.
“Seek medical help early if experiencing fever, weakness, or bleeding, and visit a health facility immediately.”
The NCDC stated that Lassa fever is preventable and encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones.
