Lassa Fever Endemic In Nigeria, Posing Significant Public Health Risk — NCDC

ABUJA — The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC,has raised alarm over the increasing rate of Lassa fever in the country.

The nation’s disease control and prevention agency said Lassa fever has become endemic, causing significant public health risk across all states of the federation.

This came as Nigeria recorded 190 deaths out of the 9,492 suspected cases in 2024 alone.

Director General of the agency, Dr. Jide Idris, giving updates, preparedness and response measures at a briefing in Abuja yesterday, said six six states made up 89 per cent of confirmed cases.

The affected states, according to him, are Ondo (29.7%); Edo (22.7%); Bauchi (17.9%); Taraba (8.8%); Benue (5.6%); and Ebonyi (4%).

Similarly, he said ten local government areas, namely(Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo and Idah) accounted for almost 59 per cent of confirmed cases.

The NCDC boss, who noted that there had been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last four weeks, signaling the outbreak’s severity, said: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, continues to address the current Lassa Fever outbreak during this peak season.

“Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a significant public health risk across all states.

“The disease occurs throughout the year, with peak transmission typically recorded between October and May.

Outbreaks typically occur during the dry season, when human exposure to rodents is highest.

“Cumulatively this year, we have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed with 190 deaths. Six states make up 89% of the confirmed cases, namely: Ondo (29.7%), Edo (22.7%), Bauchi (17.9%), Taraba (8.8%), Benue (5.6%), and Ebonyi (4%). 10 LGAs (Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo and Idah) accounted for almost 59% of the confirmed cases.

“There has been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last four weeks, signaling the outbreak’s severity.’’

Explaining that the case fatality rate had consistently remained high with over 13 per cent, Idris said: “We have noted a rise in the number of suspected cases compared to a similar timeline in 2023. This, however, could be attributed to the increased/enhanced surveillance.

“Most cases continue to emerge from endemic areas, like Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba Ebonyi and Enugu, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these states.

“These trends therefore demand a coordinated effort to strengthen our response and protect our vulnerable populations. Our goal is to reduce the number of cases and importantly, deaths

‘’In addressing this situation, it is important to highlight the proactive measures taken by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, so far. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to preparedness, coordination and response at all levels.

“We conducted a dynamic risk assessment to determine the appropriate emergency activation level. The risk has been categorized as high and response level 2 advised, and efforts to be tailored specifically to the states currently experiencing increased case burden.’’

He explained that the Emergency Operation Centre, EOC, was activated to ensure seamless coordination of Lassa fever control and management activities, using a one health approach.