Lassa Fever: Agency Intensifies Efforts To Combat Spread As Fatality Rate Surges

NCDC Launches Multi-Sectoral Response Amid Rising Cases and Concerns

!Image Description: A graphic depicting the geographical spread of Lassa fever cases across Nigeria, overlaid with a map of the country and key affected states highlighted in red. This image should visually represent the scale of the outbreak and the NCDC's response efforts.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is ramping up its efforts to combat the resurgence of Lassa fever across Nigeria, following a significant increase in fatalities and confirmed cases. The agency is working in collaboration with international partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control Prevention (US CDC), ALIMA, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) to implement a comprehensive, multi-sectoral response.

Key Takeaways & Features:

* Rising Fatality Rate: The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.6%, a significant increase from the 17.6% reported during the same period in 2024.

* High Case Numbers: As of Epidemiological Week 25, 781 confirmed cases have been reported across 20 states and 101 Local Government Areas.

* Hotspot States: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states account for 91% of all confirmed cases.

* Age Group Impact: The disease predominantly affects young adults (21-30 age group).

* Healthcare Worker Impact: 23 healthcare workers have been affected cumulatively this year, with no new infections reported in the latest reporting week.

The NCDC’s response includes ongoing clinical trials in Ondo State, After Action Reviews (AARs) to analyze the outbreak's response, and extensive clinician sensitisation and community engagement activities focused on hotspot areas. Crucially, 10 national rapid response teams are deployed across affected states, utilizing a “one health” approach integrating medical, environmental, and animal health strategies. The agency has also launched an IPC e-learning platform and distributed updated VHF guidelines, alongside active contact tracing, surveillance, and geospatial risk mapping. However, challenges such as poor environmental sanitation and low community awareness, particularly in high-burden LGAs, remain significant hurdles.

Despite these efforts, the continued rise in the CFR is a major cause for concern, highlighting issues like late presentation of cases, high treatment costs, and concerning public health behavior. Moving forward, sustained investment in public health infrastructure, coupled with robust community engagement programs, are vital to reducing the fatality rate and improving overall health outcomes. Nigerians are advised to maintain strict hygiene practices, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms – fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.