Lassa fever: Delayed treatment, poor sanitation cause of rising cases, fatality – NCDC
March 5, 2025
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that delayed hospital visits, high treatment costs, and poor environmental sanitation are exacerbating the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in the country.
The public health agency attributed many of these fatalities to late presentation at healthcare facilities, which significantly reduced the chances of survival.
“Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with infected rodent excreta or direct human-to-human transmission, continues to spread across Nigeria.
“The disease has been confirmed in 12 states and 70 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo accounting for 73 per cent of all reported cases.
“In spite of ongoing awareness campaigns, many Nigerians remain unaware of early symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
“Early symptoms of Lassa fever, such as fever, weakness, and body pain, are often mistaken for malaria or typhoid, prompting individuals to self-medicate instead of seeking medical attention.
“By the time many patients arrive at treatment centres, they are already experiencing severe complications such as organ failure, bleeding, or shock, which significantly reduces their chances of survival,” it highlighted.
The NCDC report also pointed out poor environmental sanitation as a key driver of Lassa fever transmission.
“Many communities, particularly in high-burden states, have inadequate waste management systems, making them more prone to rodent infestations.”
The agency urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as storing food in rodent-proof containers, keeping homes clean, and avoiding bush burning, which drives rodents into residential areas.
The government, through the NCDC and partner organisations, had intensified response efforts by deploying rapid response teams to affected states and increasing surveillance.