Over 640 confirmed infections have been recorded across 33 Nigerian states

Nigeria recorded 3,465 suspected cases of Lassa fever between January and March 2025. 645 confirmed infections and 118 deaths were recorded, Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported on Sunday.

According to the NCDC, the outbreak has spread across 91 local government areas in 33 states. Ondo (34%), Edo (21%), and Bauchi (18%) account for 73% of the confirmed cases.

The case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.3%, Sani Datti, the head of corporate communications at the NCDC, has told the media. Up to 20 infections have also been reported among medical personnel across several states.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in parts of West Africa. The virus was first identified in Nigeria in 1969. It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with low-quality infection control measures. 

Lassa fever initially presents with flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Later, it can lead to facial swelling, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, and other parts of the body.

In response, the NCDC has intensified control efforts by deploying Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 10 high-burden states, including Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa.

"The NCDC urges state governments to support free treatment for Lassa fever patients and calls on the private sector to contribute to medical supplies and public awareness efforts," the press service of center reported on X.

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NCDC Director General Jide Idris urged Nigerians to maintain environmental hygiene and take steps to prevent rats from entering homes, contaminating food, and accessing utensils, emphasizing these as the most effective ways to prevent Lassa fever.