Lassa Fever Crisis Deepens in Nigeria: 20 Health Workers Infected, 118 Dead in First Quarter of 2025
By IDNN Health Desk | March 31, 2025
The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria is spiraling, with 118 confirmed deaths and over 3,465 suspected cases recorded in just the first three months of 2025, according to new figures released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Amid the escalating crisis, 20 frontline healthcare workers have contracted the virus, raising alarm about exposure risks in health facilities and the strain on Nigeria’s fragile health infrastructure.
“The Case Fatality Rate stands at a staggering 18.3%, a clear indication of the outbreak’s severity,” the NCDC said in a statement posted on its official website.
Outbreak Scope and Health Worker Infections
Between January and March, 645 cases were confirmed across 91 Local Government Areas in 33 states, with Ondo State emerging as the epicenter of health worker infections, recording eight of the 20 cases. Bauchi (four), Taraba (two), Gombe (two), Edo, Ebonyi, Benue, and Ogun also reported cases among medical personnel.
This growing list of infected healthcare workers underscores ongoing challenges with infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, despite intensified federal efforts.
Emergency Measures and State Deployments
In a bid to curb the spread, the NCDC has:
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Activated its National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level 2 to coordinate response efforts nationwide.
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Deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 high-burden states including: Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa.
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Extended deployments in Edo and Taraba states by 10 and 7 days respectively due to worsening conditions.
The agency also confirmed the distribution of critical medical supplies, including PPE kits and treatment drugs, to frontline treatment centers.
Systemic Challenges Hindering Progress
Despite these efforts, the outbreak is still intensifying, with the NCDC citing several roadblocks:
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Delayed case detection from poor community-level surveillance.
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Limited resources for treatment and contact tracing.
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Manpower shortages at isolation and treatment centers.
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Late presentation of cases, as patients often opt for self-medication or traditional remedies before seeking help.
Call for Collective Action
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, called on state governments to increase financial backing and urged the private sector to support with medical supplies and public awareness campaigns.
“While the NCDC and state governments are leading the response, the fight against Lassa fever must be collective. It starts with individuals,” Idris stressed.
He advised citizens to maintain proper hygiene, keep food sealed and rodent-proof, and seek early medical attention when symptoms appear.
Healthcare professionals were also advised to maintain strict IPC protocols to protect themselves and patients.
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness primarily spread through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, particularly the Mastomys rat. It can also spread between humans through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or medical equipment.
Symptoms include:
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Fever
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Headache
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Vomiting
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Sore throat
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Muscle pain
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In severe cases: uncontrolled bleeding
With the situation deteriorating and infections climbing, Nigerian authorities are now in a race against time to contain the virus before it overwhelms the healthcare system.