Nigeria is once again battling the scourge of Lassa fever as official data reveals that the viral disease has claimed no fewer than 166 lives in the past nine months. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its latest situation report, confirmed that the infections were spread across multiple states, with several communities bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
According to the report, more than 4,000 suspected cases were recorded between January and September 2025, with hundreds confirmed through laboratory testing. The Centre noted that although the country has made significant progress in detection and treatment, the persistent spread of the disease underscores the urgent need for stronger public health measures and community awareness.
States in the North Central and South-South regions were identified as the most affected, accounting for the highest number of confirmed infections and fatalities. Health officials attributed the spread to late presentation of patients at hospitals, limited access to medical facilities, and the difficulty of controlling rodents, which are the primary carriers of the virus.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, described the figures as a “wake-up call” for both government and citizens. He stressed that while treatment centres have been activated across the country, early reporting of symptoms such as persistent fever, bleeding, and fatigue remains critical to reducing mortality. He also called for stronger community hygiene practices, especially in rural areas, to limit rodent-to-human transmission.
Medical experts have continued to urge Nigerians to maintain strict environmental cleanliness, avoid bush burning, and store food properly to prevent contamination by rodents. They also emphasized that personal protective measures, particularly for health workers, are essential to curbing hospital-related infections.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced that it is collaborating with international partners and donor agencies to strengthen surveillance, provide more diagnostic kits, and expand treatment centres in high-risk states. Officials also hinted at increased public health campaigns to encourage early testing and prompt treatment.
As the country grapples with the outbreak, public health advocates are calling for a more coordinated response that addresses not just the immediate medical needs but also the long-term structural gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system. For many, the recurring toll of Lassa fever is a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable investment in public health and community education to prevent future outbreaks.
