Due to the rise in cases and deaths of Lassa Fever in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) made known, it has intensified its response to the viral disease.
Lassa Fever which is spread by rodents (e.g. rats) and found in parts of West Africa has claimed “118” lives “from January to March 2025 across 91 LGAs in 33 states in Nigeria.”
The Nigerian national public health institute saddled with the ‘mandate to lead the preparedness, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies’ said, “20 healthcare workers have been infected across eight states”.
In its intensified response to the disease with the aim to “control” its spread, the NCDC revealed, it has deployed Rapid Response Teams to “10 high-burdens states”, and activated Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC).
According to NCDC:
NCDC Intensifies Lassa Fever Response as Cases and Deaths Rise
From January to March 2025, Nigeria has recorded 3,465 suspected cases of Lassa fever across 91 LGAs in 33 states. Of these, 645 cases have been confirmed, with 118 deaths—resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3%.
Sadly, 20 healthcare workers have been infected across eight states, reinforcing the need for strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in healthcare settings.
In response, NCDC has scaled up control efforts by:
• Deploying Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 10 high-burden states—Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa—for outbreak containment. Edo and Taraba had extended deployments due to ongoing transmission.
• Activating the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) to strengthen coordination and response.
• Distributing PPEs, treatment medications, and essential medical supplies to affected states.
• Issuing state-specific advisories to guide prevention and control measures.
However, challenges persist:
• Delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, with many patients resorting to self-medication.
• Limited surveillance & case management resources at community and state levels.
• Shortages of healthcare personnel at treatment centers, impacting response efforts.
The NCDC urges state governments to support free treatment for Lassa fever patients and calls on the private sector to contribute to medical supplies and public awareness efforts.
• Early medical attention, improved hygiene, and rat control remain the best preventive measures.
• Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion & adhere to IPC protocols.
Together, we can stop the spread!
🚨 NCDC Intensifies Lassa Fever Response as Cases and Deaths Rise
— NCDC (@NCDCgov) March 31, 2025
From January to March 2025, Nigeria has recorded 3,465 suspected cases of Lassa fever across 91 LGAs in 33 states. Of these, 645 cases have been confirmed, with 118 deaths—resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR)… pic.twitter.com/ekyLjOxrwl
