NCDC Reports Rising Lassa Fever Deaths from Delayed Treatment, Poor Sanitation
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Abuja, March 5, 2025 (Naija247news) – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the increasing number of Lassa fever deaths in the country, attributing the surge to delayed hospital visits, high treatment costs, and poor environmental sanitation.
In its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 8, 2025, the agency confirmed 95 deaths, maintaining a high Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8%. Many of these fatalities, the NCDC stated, resulted from late presentation at healthcare facilities, which significantly reduced patients’ chances of survival.
Lassa Fever Spread and Risk Factors
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with rodent excreta or direct human-to-human transmission. The disease has been confirmed in 12 states and 70 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states accounting for 73% of all reported cases.
Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many Nigerians remain unaware of the early symptoms of Lassa fever, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The initial symptoms—fever, weakness, and body pain—are frequently mistaken for malaria or typhoid, prompting individuals to self-medicate rather than seek medical attention. By the time many patients arrive at treatment centers, they are already experiencing severe complications such as organ failure, bleeding, or shock, significantly reducing their chances of survival.
The NCDC also identified poor environmental sanitation as a key driver of Lassa fever transmission, particularly in high-burden states. The agency reported that inadequate waste management in many communities increases the risk of rodent infestations, thereby escalating the spread of the disease.
Call for Urgent Intervention
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as:
• Storing food in rodent-proof containers
• Keeping homes and surroundings clean
• Avoiding bush burning, which displaces rodents into residential areas
In response to the crisis, the government, through the NCDC and partner organizations, has deployed rapid response teams to affected states and ramped up surveillance efforts.
Treatment Costs Hindering Response
Speaking with Naija247news, Dr. Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, stressed that the affordability of treatment remains a major challenge in Nigeria’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 hospitalization and medications discourages people from seeking early care,” Adakole explained.
He urged state governments to step in and subsidize Lassa fever treatment to ensure accessibility for vulnerable populations.
The Need for a Multi-Sectoral Approach
Adakole emphasized that reducing fatalities requires a multi-sectoral approach, combining early detection with aggressive public health campaigns.
“A strong commitment to community awareness, improved healthcare access, and better environmental hygiene is crucial to curbing the spread of Lassa fever,” he said.
As Nigeria grapples with yet another Lassa fever outbreak, experts stress the need for urgent intervention, increased public awareness, and stronger community engagement to prevent further loss of lives.
