LASSA FEVER DEATHS RISE IN NIGERIA DESPITE PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a new alert following a spike in Lassa fever cases in the first half of 2025. A total of 747 confirmed cases and 142 deaths have been recorded across several states, particularly in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness spread primarily through exposure to the urine or feces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings lacking infection control protocols.

Despite federal government efforts and health campaigns, many affected communities remain underserved, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and primary healthcare services. Misdiagnoses are also common, as symptoms resemble malaria and typhoid.

Contributing Factors:

Poor hygiene and sanitation in rural areas

Climate change and deforestation increasing human-rodent contact

Weak disease surveillance and delayed case reporting

Public Health Recommendations:

Prompt reporting of symptoms

Rodent-proof food storage

Increased government funding for rural clinics and epidemic response

The outbreak underscores the urgent need for strengthening Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, particularly in remote and vulnerable regions.