Nigeria has recorded 54 new cases of Lassa fever and 10 fatalities within the first week of 2025, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The confirmed cases, which span from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, highlight a slight decrease from the 70 confirmed cases reported in the previous week (week 52 of 2024).
While new cases have declined, the number of suspected Lassa fever cases has risen compared to the same period last year. The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.5%, a notable increase from the 11.3% CFR recorded in the first week of 2024, signaling greater severity in the ongoing outbreak.
Geographic Spread and Demographics
The NCDC’s report identified six states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Kogi—as having recorded confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with the majority of new infections concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi. The three states collectively account for 78% of all confirmed cases. Specifically, Ondo recorded 35% of the total cases, followed by Edo (28%) and Bauchi (15%).
No healthcare workers were infected in the reported period, suggesting improved safety protocols in medical facilities. Most of those affected by the disease were between the ages of 20 and 31, indicating that young adults are particularly vulnerable.
Lassa Fever in 2024: A Surge in Cases
The 2024 Lassa fever outbreak saw a dramatic rise in cases, with nearly 10,000 suspected cases and over 1,100 confirmed infections across 28 states. The year also recorded 191 deaths, underlining the persistence of the disease, which typically peaks during Nigeria’s dry season from December to April. These months provide ideal conditions for the spread of the virus, as rats—carriers of the disease—invade homes and food supplies.
Ongoing Challenges in Containment
The NCDC has highlighted several challenges in combating the outbreak. Late case presentation, often due to delayed medical seeking, continues to contribute to the high CFR. Additionally, the cost of treatment remains a significant barrier, as many affected individuals in poorer regions are unable to afford timely care. Inadequate environmental sanitation in many high-risk communities exacerbates the situation, providing ample opportunities for rodents to spread the virus.
Public health officials also noted that there is insufficient awareness about the disease in high-burden areas, with many people unaware of how to prevent infection or recognize early symptoms.
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through direct contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, particularly rats. It can also spread through bodily fluids from infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, body weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it leads to bleeding from multiple orifices.
Although the disease is treatable with antiviral medication, early detection is critical. Medical experts emphasize that early medical intervention and improved public health measures are key to reducing the spread of the disease and saving lives.