Nigeria is currently grappling with the Lassa fever outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases has risen to 674 and the death toll to 127 according to the latest update from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) as of April 16, 2025. The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has worsened further, with the number of confirmed cases rising to 674 and the death toll to 127 in eighteen states across the country as of April 16, 2025.
The disease is rapidly spreading across eighteen states and 93 local government areas, highlighting the scale and severity of the grave threat to public health. Ondo, Bauchi and Edo states have reported more than 70% of the total cases, with most infections randomly concentrated here. Ondo tops the list with thirty percent, followed by Bauchi with a quarter and Edo second with sixteen percent.
Favourable environmental conditions in these states sustain high numbers due to the presence of the multimammate rat, which is the primary vector of the disease. During the recent nationwide epidemiology week, six states including Ondo and Gombe and Ebonyi suddenly recorded 15 new cases. Reports of new infections among healthcare workers during this period have not been encouraging.
Infection prevention and control measures in various healthcare facilities nationwide seem to be improving rapidly, which marks a significant but somewhat positive development. Lassa fever manifests as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease that is quite common mostly in West Africa especially in Nigeria and surrounding areas. The urine and faeces of infected rats contaminate food and surfaces that humans touch which often leads to infection. Transmission of the virus occurs between people, especially in healthcare settings where there is a lack of proper protective gear and often laxity in hygiene measures.
The initial symptoms of Lassa fever appear vague and may include fever, weakness, headache or profuse vomiting making diagnosis difficult without laboratory tests. NCDC continues to coordinate national response efforts with state governments and international partners amid the sudden chaos of the nationwide outbreak. The ongoing public health awareness campaigns educate communities in various localities on how to effectively prevent the infection.
Measures include maintaining strict hygiene standards and storing food in tamper-proof containers, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking medical help immediately if symptoms appear. Lassa fever outbreaks are cyclically repeated during the dry season and health experts urge government investment in infrastructure and research to mitigate future risks. NCDC stressed that early diagnosis and community participation are critical to prevent the infection, which could save many lives through sustained prevention efforts across the country.
