The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the worsening Lassa fever outbreak in the country, attributing the high fatality rate to delayed hospital visits, financial constraints and poor environmental sanitation.
In its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 8 of 2025, the agency confirmed that 95 deaths have been recorded so far, maintaining a concerning case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent.
The NCDC emphasised that many fatalities could have been prevented if patients had sought medical attention earlier. Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with infected rodent excreta or direct human-to-human transmission, has continued 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.
Despite ongoing public health campaigns, awareness about Lassa fever remains inadequate, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Many Nigerians mistake the early symptoms—such as fever, weakness, and body pain – for malaria or typhoid and resort to self-medication instead of seeking immediate medical care. By the time they arrive at treatment centres, they are often in critical condition, experiencing severe complications such as organ failure, bleeding, or shock, which drastically lowers their chances of survival.
The report also identified poor environmental sanitation as a major driver of Lassa fever transmission. Many high-burden communities lack proper waste management systems, leading to an increase in rodent infestations. The NCDC urged Nigerians to take preventive measures such as storing food in rodent-proof containers, maintaining clean environments and avoiding bush burning, which forces rodents into residential areas.
In response to the outbreak, the government, through the NCDC and partner organisations, has intensified efforts by deploying rapid response teams to affected states and enhancing surveillance measures. However, the battle against Lassa fever is further complicated by the high cost of treatment.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, highlighted the affordability of treatment as a significant challenge in controlling Lassa fever. He noted that Ribavirin, the antiviral drug used for Lassa fever management, is expensive, and many patients struggle to cover the costs of hospitalisation and medications. Financial constraints often force families to abandon treatment, worsening the spread and severity of the disease. He urged state governments to intervene by subsidising treatment costs and making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations.
According to Adakole, reducing fatalities will require a multi-sectoral approach that integrates early detection, public awareness and improved healthcare access. He stressed that without aggressive public health campaigns and better medical infrastructure, Lassa fever will continue to claim lives unnecessarily.
As Nigeria battles yet another Lassa fever outbreak, the call for urgent intervention grows louder. With improved public awareness, stronger community engagement and enhanced healthcare accessibility, the nation can turn the tide against this deadly virus and prevent further loss of life.
