The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that delayed hospital visits, high treatment costs, and poor environmental sanitation are exacerbating the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in the country.
In its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 8, 2025, the NCDC disclosed that 95 deaths had been recorded, maintaining a high Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent.
The public health agency attributed many of these fatalities to late presentation at healthcare facilities, which significantly reduced the chances of survival.
“Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with infected rodent excreta or direct human-to-human transmission, continues to spread across Nigeria.
“The disease has been confirmed in 12 states and 70 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo accounting for 73 per cent of all reported cases.
“In spite of ongoing awareness campaigns, many Nigerians remain unaware of early symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
“Early symptoms of Lassa fever, such as fever, weakness, and body pain, are often mistaken for malaria or typhoid, prompting individuals to self-medicate instead of seeking medical attention.
“By the time many patients arrive at treatment centres, they are already experiencing severe complications such as organ failure, bleeding, or shock, which significantly reduces their chances of survival,” it highlighted.
The NCDC report also pointed out poor environmental sanitation as a key driver of Lassa fever transmission.
“Many communities, particularly in high-burden states, have inadequate waste management systems, making them more prone to rodent infestations.”
The agency urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as storing food in rodent-proof containers, keeping homes clean, and avoiding bush burning, which drives rodents into residential areas.
The government, through the NCDC and partner organisations, had intensified response efforts by deploying rapid response teams to affected states and increasing surveillance.
Also speaking, a Public Health Expert, Dr Gabriel Adakole emphasised that affordability of treatment remained a major challenge in the country’s fight against Lassa fever.
“Ribavirin, the antiviral drug used for Lassa fever management, is costly, and many patients struggle to afford comprehensive medical care.
“In some cases, families abandon treatment due to financial constraints.
“The high cost of hospitalisation and medications discourages people from seeking early care.
“There is a need for more state government intervention to subsidise treatment and make it accessible to vulnerable populations,” Adakole highlighted.
However, he said that community awareness and improved access to healthcare remained critical in reducing fatalities.
“A multi-sectoral approach that combines early detection and aggressive public health campaigns is essential; without this, Lassa fever will continue to claim lives unnecessarily,” he said.
He stated that as Nigeria faces another Lassa fever outbreak, the demand for urgent intervention was growing stronger.
Adakole said with improved public awareness, better healthcare access, and stronger community engagement, the tide of this deadly virus could be turned.
NAN
