The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that delayed hospital visits, excessive remedy prices, and poor environmental sanitation are exacerbating the continued Lassa fever outbreak within the nation.
In its newest Lassa Fever Scenario Report for Week 8, 2025, the NCDC disclosed that 95 deaths had been recorded, sustaining a excessive Case Fatality Price (CFR) of 18.8 per cent.
The general public well being company attributed many of those fatalities to late presentation at healthcare amenities, which considerably lowered the possibilities of survival.
“Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic sickness transmitted by means of contact with contaminated rodent excreta or direct human-to-human transmission, continues to unfold throughout Nigeria.
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“The illness has been confirmed in 12 states and 70 Native Authorities Areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo accounting for 73 per cent of all reported circumstances.
“Regardless of ongoing consciousness campaigns, many Nigerians stay unaware of early signs, resulting in delayed analysis and remedy.
“Early signs of Lassa fever, akin to fever, weak point, and physique ache, are sometimes mistaken for malaria or typhoid, prompting people to self-medicate as a substitute of searching for medical consideration.
“By the point many sufferers arrive at remedy centres, they’re already experiencing extreme problems akin to organ failure, bleeding, or shock, which considerably reduces their possibilities of survival,” it highlighted.
The NCDC report additionally identified poor environmental sanitation as a key driver of Lassa fever transmission.
“Many communities, notably in high-burden states, have insufficient waste administration techniques, making them extra susceptible to rodent infestations.”
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The company urged Nigerians to undertake preventive measures akin to storing meals in rodent-proof containers, maintaining properties clear, and avoiding bush burning, which drives rodents into residential areas.
The federal government, by means of the NCDC and companion organizations, had intensified response efforts by deploying fast response groups to affected states and rising surveillance.
Talking with the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN), Dr Gabriel Adakole, Public Well being Skilled, emphasised that affordability of remedy remained a serious problem within the nation’s combat in opposition to Lassa fever.
“Ribavirin, the antiviral drug used for Lassa fever administration, is dear, and plenty of sufferers wrestle to afford complete medical care.
“In some circumstances, households abandon remedy on account of monetary constraints.
“The excessive value of hospitalization and drugs discourages individuals from searching for early care.
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“There’s a want for extra state authorities intervention to subsidize remedy and make it accessible to susceptible populations,” Adakole highlighted.
Nonetheless, he mentioned that group consciousness and improved entry to healthcare remained vital in decreasing fatalities.
“A multi-sectoral method that mixes early detection and aggressive public well being campaigns is crucial; with out this, Lassa fever will proceed to say lives unnecessarily,” he mentioned.
He said that as Nigeria faces one other Lassa fever outbreak, the demand for pressing intervention was rising stronger.
Adakole mentioned with improved public consciousness, higher healthcare entry, and stronger group engagement, the tide of this lethal virus could possibly be turned.
