The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a warning about a significant rise in Lassa fever cases and deaths over the past four weeks, stressing the seriousness of the outbreak.
In 2024, the NCDC recorded 9,492 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 1,154 confirmed and 190 deaths reported nationwide.
Six states—Ondo (29.7%), Edo (22.7%), Bauchi (17.9%), Taraba (8.8%), Benue (5.6%), and Ebonyi (4%)—accounted for 89% of the confirmed cases. Additionally, 10 local government areas (LGAs), including Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo, and Idah, contributed nearly 59% of the confirmed cases.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris confirmed that the fatality rate remains alarmingly high, above 13%. He noted an increase in suspected cases compared to the same period last year, a trend that may be linked to better surveillance efforts.
Endemic States and Focused Measures
Dr Idris highlighted that most cases continue to emerge from areas that are typically affected, such as Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Enugu, and stressed the need for targeted actions to prevent further spread. He called for stronger response measures to protect vulnerable groups and reduce cases and deaths.
Lassa fever remains a year-round threat in Nigeria, with the highest transmission typically occurring between October and May, during the dry season when human contact with rodents is most frequent.
Dr Idris mentioned that the NCDC has conducted a detailed risk assessment and categorised the current situation as “High,” recommending Response Level 2. Efforts are now focused on states with the highest number of cases.
