…DG Calls for Timely Medical Care, State Support
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over the rising cases of Lassa fever, confirming 118 deaths in the first quarter of 2025. The agency reported 3,465 suspected cases across 91 Local Government Areas in 33 states between January and March. Of these, 645 cases were confirmed, resulting in an 18.3% Case Fatality Rate (CFR).
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that 20 healthcare workers across eight states have been infected, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened response efforts. To combat the outbreak, the agency has activated the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level 2, enabling better coordination between federal, state, and local authorities.
“In response to the outbreak, we have deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 10 high-burden states—Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa,” Dr. Idris stated. “Due to evolving challenges, the deployments in Edo and Taraba were extended by 10 and 7 days, respectively.”
To support affected states, the NCDC has distributed personal protective equipment (PPEs), treatment medications, and issued state-specific advisories for prevention and control. However, Dr. Idris noted that response efforts are being hampered by weak community surveillance, shortages of medical personnel, and financial constraints at both state and community levels.
He emphasized the need for urgent government intervention, calling on state governments to subsidize Lassa fever treatment and for private sector involvement in providing essential medical supplies and public health awareness campaigns.
“Preventing Lassa fever requires collective action,” Dr. Idris stressed. “While NCDC and state governments lead the response, every Nigerian must play a role in reducing the spread by maintaining good hygiene and keeping their environments free of rats.”
The NCDC also urged healthcare workers to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures while calling on the public to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms.
