The alarming statistics from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) are an urgent call to action. In February 2025 alone, 80 people succumbed to Lassa fever, with 413 confirmed cases reported across 11 states. This surge in fatalities highlights the critical gaps in Nigeria’s response to a disease that has plagued the nation for decades.
The rising case fatality rate, now at 19.4%, compared to 17.5% in the same period last year, is both disturbing and unacceptable. Lassa fever, first identified in 1969 in Borno State, remains endemic, affecting many regions and further straining an already fragile healthcare system.
These ongoing outbreaks reveal more than just an immediate health crisis. They expose systemic failures within Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and its ability to prevent, manage, and contain diseases like Lassa fever. The fact that 73% of confirmed cases originate from just three states—Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi—demonstrates persistent hotspots where sustained interventions have been lacking. For years, these states have borne the brunt of Lassa fever outbreaks, yet the authorities’ response has remained largely reactive rather than proactive.
At its core, Lassa fever is a preventable disease. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine and faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Human-to-human transmission is also common, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control measures. The disease thrives in conditions of poor sanitation, substandard healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate community awareness. Despite its long history in Nigeria, the national response remains underwhelming.
One of the most concerning aspects of the current Lassa fever crisis is its impact on Nigeria’s young adults. The 21 to 30-year age group, which constitutes the most productive segment of the population, has been disproportionately affected. This not only adds to the public health crisis but also introduces a significant economic dimension. The loss of young adults to a preventable disease exacerbates economic hardship in communities already struggling with poverty and unemployment.
The NCDC’s response—including the activation of the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System and the deployment of rapid response teams—is a necessary step in managing the crisis. However, these measures remain reactive and reflect a pattern of crisis management rather than long-term, sustainable disease control. Lassa fever is a seasonal disease, with outbreaks occurring predictably between November and April each year. This predictability should allow for year-round interventions that target the root causes of transmission, rather than waiting for the next outbreak to escalate.
Moreover, the rising fatality rate and delayed presentation of cases highlight serious deficiencies within the primary healthcare system. Primary healthcare facilities should be the first line of defence in identifying and treating diseases like Lassa fever, yet they remain under-resourced and ineffective. Delayed diagnosis and treatment contribute significantly to the high mortality rate, underscoring the urgent need for a strengthened and revitalised primary healthcare network, particularly in rural areas where the disease burden is highest.
One of the most troubling aspects of the Lassa fever response is the inadequate protection of healthcare workers. Despite improvements in infection control measures, reports persist of healthcare workers contracting the disease. A robust and well-equipped healthcare workforce is essential in combating infectious diseases, yet the safety and welfare of frontline medical staff are not given the priority they deserve. This not only endangers healthcare professionals but also discourages others from joining the medical field, worsening an already critical shortage of skilled personnel.
The failure to adequately address the root causes of Lassa fever transmission also speaks to broader failures in environmental health. The primary mode of transmission—contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents—requires interventions beyond the health sector. Improved sanitation, better waste management, and robust rodent control programmes must become ongoing efforts, not just emergency responses triggered by outbreaks.
The NCDC’s collaboration with international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and research institutions is commendable, as it boosts the country’s response capacity. However, Nigeria must build stronger local capacity for sustainable disease control. The country cannot rely solely on external support for long-term solutions.
It is time for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s approach to the Lassa fever crisis. The federal government must increase funding for research, prevention, and treatment of the disease. State governments, particularly in endemic areas, must demonstrate greater political will and allocate more resources to preventive measures and community education. Political leaders must recognise that the fight against Lassa fever is not a short-term battle but a long-term commitment to public health.
Preventing Lassa fever also requires a change in public behaviour. Nigerians must take personal responsibility for their health by maintaining proper hygiene, storing food safely in sealed containers, keeping homes clean, and eliminating rodent hiding places. While individual actions are important, they alone are insufficient to address a systemic public health challenge.
Ultimately, Lassa fever is a test of Nigeria’s ability to manage public health crises. If we continue with the current reactive approach, we will see the same devastating outcomes year after year. It is time for the government and public health authorities to break this cycle and implement sustainable, proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks. Only through a comprehensive, year-round approach can we protect lives and prevent Lassa fever from claiming unnecessary victims.
As the country confronts yet another Lassa fever outbreak, the real challenge lies not in managing the crisis but in addressing its root causes. Nigeria must commit to systemic change, long-term prevention strategies, and a stronger healthcare infrastructure if it is to end the recurring devastation caused by Lassa fever.
