The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, has placed 461 individuals under surveillance as Lassa fever spreads to 11 states, triggering fresh public health concerns.
Data from the NCDC indicates that the acute viral disease has now affected 63 local government areas, with cases surging beyond last year’s figures.
In the first six weeks of 2025, Lassa fever has claimed 80 lives from 1,913 suspected cases—surpassing the 48 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024.
The NCDC report highlights that frontline health workers are also at risk, with at least 11 medical personnel infected since the start of the year.
“Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi remain the most affected states, accounting for 73 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo leads with 34 per cent, followed by Edo with 21 per cent and Bauchi with 18 per cent,” the NCDC stated.
Lassa fever, a seasonal disease common in Nigeria’s dry season, is caused by the Lassa virus, which spreads primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected mastomys rats.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly in hospital settings.
The NCDC has warned that the rising cases demand urgent preventive measures, urging citizens to maintain proper hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, and avoid contact with infected persons.
Health authorities are intensifying contact tracing and case management efforts to curb further spread.
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