The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is sounding the alarm for citizens to take swift and decisive action to create rodent-free environments and adopt rigorous personal hygiene practices. With the disease claiming 98 lives, including that of a medical doctor, the urgency for preventive measures has never been more pressing.
The NCDC’s Director General, Jide Idris, reported a staggering case fatality rate of 18.3% as of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025). This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of this infectious disease. To combat the spread of Lassa fever, households are encouraged to implement several key practices: proper waste disposal, sealing food in airtight containers, and blocking potential rodent entry points.
The current outbreak has recorded a total of 98 deaths across 14 states, raising concerns among health officials and prompting the NCDC to issue a public health advisory. In total, Nigeria has identified 2,728 suspected cases and confirmed 535 cases of Lassa fever. Notably, five states Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for an astonishing 91% of confirmed cases. Furthermore, just 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are responsible for 68% of these cases, demonstrating the need for targeted public health initiatives in these regions.
The outbreak has also tragically affected the medical community, highlighted by the recent confirmation of Lassa fever in a 31-year-old physician who had returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom. After developing symptoms, he sought medical care at a private facility in Ondo State but sadly passed away on March 5, 2025, before the NCDC could formally confirm his case through PCR testing.
In light of this tragic event, the Ondo State Ministry of Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and monitoring of all individuals who may have come into contact with the infected physician. On a national level, health authorities are mobilizing resources to contain the outbreak, enhancing surveillance at entry points, and collaborating with international health organizations to strengthen response strategies.
As Nigeria faces this serious health crisis, it is crucial for every citizen to heed the NCDC's recommendations. By maintaining cleanliness in our homes, managing waste properly, and reducing the risk of rodent infestations, we can all play a role in curbing the spread of Lassa fever. Together, through vigilance and proactive measures, we can protect our communities and guard against thi Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is urging citizens to take immediate action to create rodent-free environments and enhance personal hygiene practices. With the disease having claimed 98 lives in 2025, including that of a medical doctor, the call for preventive measures has never been more critical.
The NCDC's Director General, Jide Idris, highlighted an alarming case fatality rate of 18.3% as of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025). This statistic underlines the urgency of taking decisive action to mitigate the impact of this infectious disease. Proper waste disposal, sealing food in airtight containers, and blocking rodent entry points are vital steps that every household can implement to reduce the risk of transmission.
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