By Chinedu Okafor | SaharaNews247 Health Correspondent
Lassa fever, one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges, has once again re-emerged with alarming intensity. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the disease has affected 21 states and continues to spread across communities, prompting urgent calls for nationwide awareness, improved hygiene, and stronger government intervention.
This latest outbreak underscores the recurring cycle of Lassa fever transmission that grips the country each year, particularly during the dry season when rodent activity peaks. Health experts are expressing grave concern over the rising number of confirmed cases, hospital admissions, and deaths.
The Facts: What NCDC Has Confirmed
Recent data from the NCDC Weekly Epidemiological Report confirms that Lassa fever cases have been reported in at least 21 states, with the majority coming from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States — the historical hotspots for the disease. These three states account for more than 70% of the total confirmed cases.
As of the latest report, over 900 suspected cases have been recorded across Nigeria, with hundreds confirmed positive through laboratory tests. The NCDC has also confirmed multiple fatalities, raising fears that the outbreak could surpass previous records if not quickly contained.
The agency noted that many of the affected individuals had recent exposure to rodent-infested environments or consumed contaminated food items, which remain the most common transmission routes.
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents — particularly the Mastomys natalensis species, commonly found in West Africa.
The disease was first identified in 1969 in the town of Lassa, Borno State, Nigeria. It has since become endemic in several West African countries including Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. However, Nigeria remains the epicenter of annual outbreaks, reporting thousands of cases every year.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings, organ failure, or death.
Why Nigeria Continues to Struggle with Lassa Fever
Despite years of public health campaigns, Nigeria continues to face recurrent Lassa fever outbreaks. Several factors contribute to this persistent problem:
1. Poor Sanitation and Rodent Control
Many Nigerian households and markets are poorly managed in terms of waste disposal. This creates an enabling environment for rats to thrive, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
2. Limited Health Infrastructure
Although progress has been made since the 2018 major outbreak, diagnostic facilities and isolation centers remain inadequate. Delays in diagnosis and treatment significantly increase fatality rates.
3. Low Public Awareness
In many communities, people still underestimate the risk of Lassa fever. Some attribute it to witchcraft or local myths rather than viral infection, delaying early hospital visits.
4. Overlapping Health Crises
Nigeria is simultaneously battling cholera, diphtheria, and other infectious diseases, stretching public health resources thin and reducing focus on Lassa fever response.
Current Government and NCDC Response
The NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and state governments, has intensified surveillance and laboratory testing across the affected regions. Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) have been activated in key states to coordinate responses, while health workers have been trained to identify and treat cases early.
The agency has also emphasized the need for personal and environmental hygiene, urging Nigerians to:
Store food properly in rodent-proof containers.
Dispose of garbage far from homes.
Avoid drying food items such as garri or grains in open spaces accessible to rats.
Report suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility.
Regional Breakdown of Cases
The following states are among those currently reporting Lassa fever cases according to the NCDC’s latest updates: Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nassarawa, Gombe, Enugu, Delta, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Cross River.
Edo and Ondo remain the most affected states, with multiple confirmed cases and fatalities reported weekly. Hospitals in these states continue to face a surge in patient admissions, while healthcare workers are being stretched to their limits.
Health Experts Sound Alarm
Dr. Ifeoma Nwosu, an epidemiologist based in Abuja, told SaharaNews247 that the increasing number of cases shows that “Lassa fever has become a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s health landscape unless the government adopts a more aggressive, community-driven approach.”
She emphasized the importance of early testing and treatment, noting that mortality rates can be drastically reduced when patients receive prompt medical attention and access to antiviral drugs like Ribavirin.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the health risks, Lassa fever outbreaks have significant economic implications. Communities in affected areas experience disruptions in market activity, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.
The cost of managing severe cases — including hospitalization, isolation, and treatment — places an additional burden on Nigeria’s already struggling healthcare system. Moreover, fear of infection discourages social gatherings and travel in affected states.
Public Reactions and Misinformation
On social media, discussions around Lassa fever have been mixed, with some Nigerians questioning the accuracy of government data. However, health analysts insist that the reported figures are credible, as the NCDC’s surveillance network has improved significantly in recent years.
Nonetheless, misinformation and panic remain challenges. Some individuals resort to self-medication or rely on herbal remedies, further complicating the public health response.
Lessons from Past Outbreaks
Nigeria has faced multiple major Lassa fever outbreaks, notably in 2018 and 2020, which claimed hundreds of lives. Lessons from those experiences underscore the importance of:
Strengthening primary healthcare facilities.
Investing in laboratory capacity and rapid response teams.
Sustaining public health education campaigns throughout the year.
Building rodent-proof storage systems in rural homes and markets.
Experts also recommend integrating Lassa fever prevention into broader community development programs to address sanitation and housing conditions holistically.
Global Health Implications
The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently listed Lassa fever as one of the priority diseases requiring urgent research and vaccine development. While vaccine trials are underway, none has yet reached full approval for widespread use.
Nigeria’s recurrent outbreaks highlight the urgent need for international support in disease control, given the country’s large population and its role as a regional travel hub. Unchecked, the spread of Lassa fever poses a potential cross-border health risk to neighboring countries.
What Individuals Can Do to Stay Safe
To reduce the risk of Lassa fever infection, Nigerians are advised to take the following preventive measures:
Keep homes and surroundings clean at all times.
Store food and grains in sealed containers.
Dispose of garbage far from living areas.
Avoid touching or handling dead rats.
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms like fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding.
Prompt testing and early treatment remain the most effective ways to prevent fatal outcomes.
Conclusion
The confirmation that Lassa fever has spread across 21 states underscores the urgent need for sustained public health action in Nigeria. While the NCDC and partners are doing their best to control the outbreak, much more needs to be done in terms of community engagement, hygiene education, and medical preparedness.
Unless Nigeria strengthens its healthcare system, improves environmental sanitation, and maintains consistent awareness campaigns, the cycle of annual Lassa fever outbreaks may continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across the nation.
Author Bio
Chinedu Okafor is a health journalist and researcher with SaharaNews247. He specializes in public health reporting, infectious disease analysis, and human-interest stories focusing on healthcare systems in West Africa.
