Lassa fever, a deadly viral hemorrhagic disease, remains a major public health threat in Nigeria, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming 143 cases and 22 deaths in the first two weeks of 2025. The outbreak has spread across seven states and 32 local government areas, with Ondo State accounting for 38% of total infections. Other affected states include Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, and Ebonyi. The NCDC has raised the alarm over the worsening situation, particularly as the dry season (November–April) continues to fuel transmission.
Lassa fever is primarily spread by rodents, particularly Mastomys rats, which contaminate food and household items with urine and feces. It also spreads through human-to-human transmission, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
The latest outbreak has predominantly affected young adults and men, while healthcare workers remain at high risk, with at least one frontline responder infected. In response, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System, working with government agencies and development partners to contain the outbreak and protect communities.
