The death toll from Lassa fever in Nigeria has risen to 118 in the first quarter of 2025 with 3,465 suspected cases recorded across 91 local government areas in 33 states between January to March 2025.
A statement by the head of Corporate Communications at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, Sani Datti in a statement on Sunday, says out of the suspected cases, 645 were confirmed, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 18.3 percent
The statement added that the outbreak has also impacted healthcare workers, and the 20 infections recorded in eight states saw Ondo with 8, Bauchi 4, Edo 1, Taraba 2, Ebonyi 1, Gombe 2, Benue 1, and Ogun 1.
The NCDC says it has deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states including Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa.
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The Director General of the NCDC, Dr jide idris, appealed to state governments to support the cost of treatment for Lassa fever and other similar diseases while emphasizing the critical role of the private sector in ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies and raising public health awareness.
He advised healthcare workers to consistently apply Infection Prevention and Control measures and maintain a high level of suspicion for Lassa fever while also urging Nigerians to prioritize environmental hygiene and take preventive measures to stop rats from accessing homes, food, and utensils, which remain the most effective ways to prevent the disease.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces, remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, especially during the dry season.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
