NCDC Reports Alarming Surge in Lassa Fever Cases: Over 3,400 Suspected, 645 Confirmed, 118 Deaths in Early 2025
NCDC Reports Alarming Surge in Lassa Fever Cases: Over 3,400 Suspected, 645 Confirmed, 118 Deaths in Early 2025
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced 3,465 suspected Lassa fever cases, with 645 confirmed infections and 118 fatalities reported from January to March 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NCDC indicated that the outbreak has impacted 91 local government areas across 33 states, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3%.
Dr. Jide Idris, the director-general of NCDC, revealed that 20 healthcare workers have contracted the virus in various states, including Ondo (8), Bauchi (4), Edo (1), Taraba (2), Ebonyi (1), Gombe (2), Benue (1), and Ogun (1).
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to ten states: Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa, for a two-week intervention. Due to the outbreak’s evolving nature, assistance in Edo and Taraba has been extended for an additional ten and seven days, respectively.
To enhance coordination and response, the NCDC has activated the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level 2, aimed at improving collaboration among federal and state authorities, local governments, and development partners. The agency has also distributed crucial medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and treatment medications to the affected states.
Despite these initiatives, the NCDC recognized several challenges in its response efforts, including poor community surveillance and insufficient human and financial resources. These issues have hindered treatment efforts, contact tracing, and active case searches. The treatment centers are also facing staffing shortages, and many patients are delaying treatment, often opting for self-medication or traditional remedies.
Dr. Idris has urged state governments to assist in funding Lassa fever treatment and encouraged the private sector to contribute to the availability of essential medical supplies and public health awareness initiatives. He stressed the importance of collective action in preventing Lassa fever and advised healthcare workers to adhere to high standards of infection prevention and control (IPC) while encouraging the public to maintain strict hygiene practices to deter rodent infestations, a primary transmission route for the virus.
The NCDC continues to advocate for heightened public awareness, timely medical intervention, and stronger healthcare infrastructure to effectively address the ongoing outbreak.
