Nigeria reports new lassa fever cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,NCDC, has recorded 17 new Lassa fever cases and one death across four states in epidemiological week 47, covering Nov. 17–23.

The agency released the figures on Tuesday through its official website in the Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epi Week 47.

With the latest infections, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in 2025 has reached 1,089 with 179 deaths.

This places the country slightly below the 1,095 confirmed cases reported within the same period in 2024, while fatalities remain unchanged at 179.

The NCDC noted that nine Local Government Areas were affected in the recent reporting week.

It listed ongoing response activities, including healthcare worker training, community sensitisation, strengthened infection prevention and control,IPC, measures, and the distribution of medical supplies such as Ribavirin, thermometers, and personal protective equipment.

The agency, however, highlighted persistent challenges affecting control efforts. These include late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, inadequate environmental sanitation, and low awareness in high-burden communities.

States were urged to scale up community engagement on prevention strategies, while healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for timely referral and treatment.

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Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries.

The disease was first identified in 1969 in Borno State and remains a significant public health threat, with Nigeria bearing the highest global burden.

Transmission occurs primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys natalensis rats, which commonly contaminate food and household items.

Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in health facilities with poor infection control practices.

Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may progress to bleeding, shock, hearing loss, and organ failure. Mortality is high, particularly when patients present late to health facilities.

About 70 per cent of Nigeria’s annual Lassa fever cases originate from five states: Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, and Ebonyi. The dry season (December to April) usually records the highest transmission.

Despite ongoing interventions—such as IPC training, improved surveillance, environmental sanitation campaigns, and the distribution of Ribavirin and protective equipment—the disease persists due to rodent infestation, poor hygiene practices, limited awareness, and delayed health seeking.

Health experts continue to emphasise the need for improved sanitation, proper food storage, early presentation at health facilities, and stronger community-led prevention strategies to reduce the burden of the deadly virus.

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