Understanding Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Outbreak: Key Facts and Safety Measures
Lassa fever poses a critical health challenge in Nigeria, with over 100 deaths recorded in the first quarter of 2025. The NCDC reports thousands of suspected cases across multiple states. The disease, caused by the Lassa virus and transmitted via rodents, presents significant risks, particularly for pregnant women. Experts call for improved public awareness, better healthcare systems, and comprehensive strategies to combat the ongoing outbreaks.
Lassa fever constitutes a significant health concern in Nigeria, evidenced by 100 fatalities occurring within the initial three months of 2025. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as of March 2, there have been 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases reported across 13 states. States such as Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba are particularly hard-hit, with case numbers reaching 168, 128, 93, and 83, respectively. The current case fatality rate is approximately 18.7%, which tragically includes the death of a medical professional aged 31.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, identified in 1969 in Nigeria’s Borno State. Its primary transmission route involves contact with the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation. Humans typically contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated food or objects, or through direct interaction with infected rodents. Initial symptoms mirror those of several viral illnesses, often presenting as fever, malaise, and general weakness, eventually escalating to headaches, sore throats, muscle pain, and nausea. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that while 80% of cases exhibit mild symptoms, severe variants can have devastating consequences, particularly for pregnant women.
The persistence of annual Lassa fever outbreaks in Nigeria since 2015 can be attributed to low public awareness, delayed case detection, and insufficient health responses. The challenge in diagnosing Lassa fever arises from its similarity to other illnesses, such as malaria and typhoid. Currently, Nigeria has increased its testing labs from three in 2017 to seven, enabling better detection. Nonetheless, cases have surged sharply since 2015, along with alarming mortality rates.
Transmission of Lassa fever tends to peak between October and May, aligned with the dry season, which heightens human encounters with rodents. Climate change may further extend this transmission period by prolonging dry conditions. Dr. Yetunde Abioye, an incident manager at the NCDC, indicates a broader geographical spread of the virus, suggesting that while surveillance and diagnostic capabilities have improved, significant gaps remain in managing the disease, especially in affected communities where sanitation and hygiene are inadequate.
Experts, including virologist Oyewale Tomori, advocate for a comprehensive approach to tackle Lassa fever, addressing its social, cultural, economic, and governance dimensions. He criticized the present approach as limited and called for a complete overhaul of strategies. Additionally, inadequate food storage contributes to the disease’s endemicity, underscoring the necessity for enhanced agricultural infrastructure.
To combat Lassa fever effectively, the emphasis must be placed on raising public awareness regarding the disease’s transmission, symptoms, and its broader healthcare and economic implications. It is essential to declare Lassa fever a health emergency and engage citizens actively in preventive measures. Dr. Rotimi Adesanya stresses the need for informed community engagement and access to effective antiviral treatments like Ribavirin, which, although effective if administered early, has no associated vaccine currently available.
The NCDC is implementing a national incident management system focused on controlling Lassa fever’s spread, providing personal protective equipment and treatments to high-risk areas. Public advisories include maintaining cleanliness in environments, securing food in sealed containers, sealing entry points in homes, and responsibly disposing of waste to deter rodent populations.
In summary, Nigeria faces substantial challenges from Lassa fever, underscored by rising case numbers and significant fatalities. The disease persists due to insufficient awareness, delayed diagnoses, and infrastructural deficiencies. Experts recommend a multifaceted approach to address the socio-economic factors contributing to the outbreak, alongside interventions aimed at community education and health system strengthening. Continued vigilance and public collaboration are essential to mitigate the spread of Lassa fever effectively.
Original Source: africacheck.org
