A fresh outbreak of Lassa fever has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, with 39 lives lost within the first three weeks of 2025, according to a situation report published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The deadly viral disease, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, has hit multiple states, with Edo and Taraba leading the grim tally.
Sahara Reporters, in a post on its official X handle, highlighted the alarming statistics, revealing that Edo and Taraba each recorded nine fatalities, followed closely by Ondo with eight deaths. Bauchi accounted for four, while Ebonyi and Gombe recorded three deaths each. Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa states reported one death each.
The outbreak is also marked by a significant surge in suspected cases. Edo State alone reported 266 suspected cases, followed by Ondo with 250, and Bauchi with 154. Taraba recorded 64 suspected cases, while Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Kogi reported 30, 10, 22, and 9 suspected cases, respectively.
The NCDC’s data further disclosed that 175 cases are being managed at designated treatment centres, while 162 individuals have been identified as contacts. Of these, 109 are under active follow-up, while 34 have completed monitoring.
Health experts warn that the predominant age group affected falls between 21 and 30 years, raising concerns about the vulnerability of young adults. The NCDC has urged the public to be vigilant, emphasizing that symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, hearing loss, and a history of exposure to rodent excreta or urine could indicate a Lassa fever infection.
With the rising death toll and the rapid spread of the disease, authorities are ramping up containment efforts, urging Nigerians to take preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent control, and early medical intervention.
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