As Nigeria grapples with a growing Lassa fever outbreak, health experts are raising alarm over the country’s inadequate response and urgent need for strategic public health intervention.
According to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a total of 4,881 suspected cases have been recorded in 2025, with 717 confirmed infections and 138 deaths across 18 states.
The epidemiological report for week 18 highlights a concerning rise in the case fatality rate (CFR), which now stands at 19.2%, up from 18.0% recorded during the same period in 2024.
Although there has been a slight drop in new confirmed cases from week 17, the persistent spread of the virus continues to strain Nigeria’s public health system.
Three states—Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba—account for 71% of all confirmed cases, with Ondo reporting 30%, Bauchi 25%, and Taraba 16%. Fatalities have been reported in 15 states, with Taraba (34 deaths), Ondo (27), and Edo (19) among the hardest hit.
Renowned virologist, Professor Oyewale Tomori, has called for a paradigm shift in how Nigeria addresses Lassa fever. “We have been toying with Lassa fever, never considering it a major public health issue. Until we do so, it will continue to rage and ravage our communities,” he warned.
Prof. Tomori emphasized the need for specific and culturally relevant public health messaging. “Generic advice such as ‘don’t eat bush meat’ is insufficient. We must provide communities with detailed guidance on transmission, symptoms, prevention, and risk environments,” he said.
He also criticized the country’s limited diagnostic capacity, revealing that only 10% of suspected cases are laboratory-confirmed. “This means we are essentially blind to 90% of potential cases. Our laboratory system must be urgently overhauled,” he added.
Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Genomics at Adeleke University, echoed these concerns and stressed the importance of long-term investment in public health systems.
“Nigeria’s fight against Lassa fever requires more than emergency response. It demands sustained investment in diagnostics, community engagement, and strong local research leadership,” he said.
Dr. Kolawole advocated for the integration of technology, traditional knowledge, and robust policy enforcement as a pathway toward eliminating the disease. “With the right combination of innovation, education, and accountability, Nigeria can transition from recurring outbreaks to long-term control and eventual eradication.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.