Nigeria's Lassa Fever Crisis: Death Toll Hits 166 Amid Rising Fatality Rate
Nigeria faces intensifying Lassa fever crisis with 166 deaths and 18.5% fatality rate in 2025, surpassing previous year's figures. NCDC deploys emergency response amid rising concerns.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed a disturbing increase in Lassa fever fatalities, with 166 deaths recorded between January and September 2025. This public health crisis, which continues to challenge our nation's healthcare governance systems, now shows an alarming fatality rate of 18.5%, surpassing last year's 16.9%.
The Harsh Reality of Our Health Crisis
Across 21 states and 106 local government areas, 895 confirmed cases have emerged, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states bearing 90% of the burden. This situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced government accountability in healthcare delivery.
Economic Barriers to Treatment
The NCDC attributes the rising death rate to delayed treatment seeking, often due to the prohibitive cost of medical care. This reality exposes the deep-rooted challenges in our healthcare system, requiring immediate decisive action from national authorities.
Understanding Lassa Fever
- Transmitted through contact with infected rodents
- Causes acute viral haemorrhagic illness
- Symptoms include fever, headache, and potential bleeding
- Endemic in West Africa, with Nigeria bearing the highest burden
National Response and Control Measures
The NCDC has deployed 10 rapid response teams and launched new infection prevention protocols. However, the persistence of this disease demands stronger community engagement and preventive measures across affected regions.
The rise in fatality rates despite fewer cases signals a critical need for improved healthcare access and community awareness in our fight against Lassa fever.
Call to Action
Healthcare workers must maintain vigilance and initiate early treatment, while communities need intensified awareness campaigns to prevent further spread. Our nation's sovereignty includes the responsibility to protect our citizens' health effectively.
Tunde Okoro
Nigerian journalist with a Pan-African voice. Covers politics, sovereignty, and social justice across West Africa.