The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released a sobering update on the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, revealing 739 confirmed cases and 141 deaths reported as of Epidemiological Week 21 in 2025. Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—are at the epicenter, collectively accounting for 90% of all recorded cases.
According to the NCDC's latest report, Ondo State leads with the highest number of infections, closely followed by Bauchi. Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi also remain critically affected. These five states continue to experience sustained transmission, raising national concern over containment efforts and public health readiness.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is primarily spread to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rats. Contributing factors include poor sanitation, improper food storage, and inadequate public health infrastructure—conditions prevalent in many rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that West Africa sees 100,000 to 300,000 Lassa fever cases annually, with Nigeria shouldering a significant share of that burden. Despite efforts by the NCDC to enhance disease surveillance, case detection, and response coordination, the country continues to struggle with the recurring outbreak.
To mitigate the crisis, the Nigerian government has activated its Incident Management System, working to deploy resources and expertise to the hardest-hit regions. However, long-term success will depend on sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved living conditions, and public health education.
Preventive measures remain critical in slowing the spread. Nigerians are urged to store food in rodent-proof containers, avoid contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or body pain arise.
As the nation faces this growing threat, the Lassa fever outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to fortify Nigeria’s health systems and prepare for future epidemics.