Lassa Fever Claims 70 Lives as NCDC Confirms 318 Cases Across Nigeria

Nigeria is facing a deadly Lassa fever outbreak, with the virus claiming 70 lives in just over six weeks. Health authorities have confirmed 318 cases, highlighting the disease’s rapid spread in key states and raising urgent concerns about containment efforts.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports that the outbreak is concentrated in five states: Bauchi State, Ondo State, Taraba State, Edo State, and Plateau State, which together account for 91 per cent of cases. Ten local government areas in these states are most affected.

In response, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System and deployed Rapid Response Teams to eight states, urging authorities to intensify contact tracing, enforce infection control, and address treatment costs.

Challenges persist, including low state-level ownership of containment efforts, infections among healthcare workers, and security issues in certain areas, making the fight against the outbreak more difficult.

Lassa fever, transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, can also spread between humans in healthcare settings, lacking proper precautions. Nigerians are advised to maintain hygiene, store food safely, and seek prompt medical care if symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, or bleeding appear.