Imagine a virus lurking in your kitchen, spread by rats, that could steal your life in days. That’s the chilling reality of Lassa fever, which has claimed 172 lives in Nigeria in 2025, the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed on October 21.
With 924 confirmed cases, this viral menace is surging, and its 18.6% fatality rate up from 17.0% last year has health officials racing to contain it. Nigeria’s fight against this hidden threat is now a national emergency.
The outbreak spans 21 states and 106 local government areas, hitting hardest in Ondo (35% of cases), Bauchi (22%), Edo (17%), Taraba (13%), and Ebonyi (3%). The remaining cases dot 16 other states, showing the disease’s relentless reach.
Alarming Spike in Cases
In just one week, new cases skyrocketed from 4 to 13, all in Ondo, as reported for epidemiological week 40. No healthcare workers were infected recently, offering a sliver of hope.
Yet, the rising death rate signals trouble hospitals are struggling, and rural areas lack quick access to care. Young adults aged 21–30 are hit hardest, with men slightly outnumbering women in cases.
Symptoms like fever and sore throat can spiral into deadly bleeding or organ failure if untreated. Early detection is a lifeline, but many are caught too late, fueling the crisis.
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness, spreads through contact with food or items tainted by Mastomys rats’ urine or feces. It’s a West African scourge, endemic in countries like Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria.
While 80% of cases are mild, severe ones can kill, with hospital fatality rates reaching 20%. Poor hygiene and rodent-infested homes, especially in the dry season, drive infections.
Person-to-person spread happens in hospitals without strict controls, making healthcare workers vulnerable. Prevention hinges on sealing homes, storing food safely, and avoiding bushmeat.
Nigeria Fights Back
The NCDC’s Technical Working Group is in overdrive, coordinating surveillance, testing, and community outreach. Teams are flooding high-risk areas with awareness campaigns, urging people to report symptoms fast and keep homes rodent-free.
Vaccines are being distributed where possible, and hospitals are stocking up on protective gear and treatments.
Training for medics focuses on isolation protocols to curb spread. The government has boosted lab capacity, but the virus’s grip tests Nigeria’s stretched healthcare system.
Challenges Ahead
With 90% of cases in five states, hotspots are clear, but rural clinics lag in resources. Urban growth and climate shifts bring rats closer to homes, worsening the threat.
The 2025 surge, deadlier than last year’s, demands urgent action better hospitals, faster response, and public education.
A Call to Action
This outbreak is a wake-up call. Nigeria needs stronger health systems and infrastructure to beat Lassa fever. Communities must unite report symptoms, clean homes, and shun risky habits. The NCDC’s efforts show promise, but only collective action can stop the virus.
As deaths climb, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Will it conquer this silent killer, or let it haunt another year? The fight is on, and every step counts to save lives and secure a healthier future.
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