Summary: The NCDC has confirmed 252 deaths from Lassa fever in Nigeria so far this year, with 1,035 cumulative cases recorded. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised fresh concerns after confirming 14 new cases of Lassa fever, pushing the total number of infections recorded this year to a troubling 1,035 cases* — and the death toll has now reached *252.
For many Nigerians, especially those in high-risk states, this is not just a statistic — it is a matter of life and death.
What Is Happening Right Now?
The NCDC’s latest situation report paints a concerning picture. Lassa fever, a disease that has long plagued communities across Nigeria, continues to spread, with new confirmed cases being added week after week. The 14 freshly confirmed cases are a reminder that this outbreak is far from over.
With 252 lives already lost, health authorities are urging Nigerians — particularly those in endemic states like Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi — to remain vigilant and take every precaution necessary.
Why Should Every Nigerian Be Concerned?
Lassa fever is not a disease that discriminates. It spreads primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis) — a rodent that is unfortunately very common in Nigerian homes and markets.
Person-to-person transmission is also possible, particularly in healthcare settings where protective measures are not strictly followed. This means that a visit to an ill relative or even a poorly equipped clinic could put you at risk if proper precautions are not taken.
States on High Alert
Historically, Lassa fever has been most aggressive in Nigeria’s South-South* and *North-Central regions, but no state is entirely immune. The NCDC continues to monitor the spread across multiple states, and residents in rural communities — where rodent infestation is more common — are at the greatest risk.
If you live in or recently visited any high-risk state, and you’re experiencing symptoms such as fever, general weakness, headache, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding, please seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor of your potential exposure.
How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family?
The good news is that Lassa fever is preventable. Here are practical steps every Nigerian household should be taking right now:
– 🐀 Store food in rodent-proof containers — do not leave cooked or raw food exposed overnight
– 🧹 Keep your home and surroundings clean — clear bushes, seal holes, and eliminate hiding spots for rats
– 🚫 Avoid contact with rats — do not handle or eat bush rats, no matter how common it may be in your area
– 🧼 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet
– 🏥 Seek early medical care* if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms — early treatment with *Ribavirin significantly improves survival chances
– 😷 Caregivers and healthcare workers should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to suspected cases
NCDC’s Call to Action
The NCDC has continued to deploy Rapid Response Teams to affected states and is working with state ministries of health to strengthen surveillance and case management. Nigerians are encouraged to report suspected cases immediately to the NCDC Emergency Operations Centre* or call the toll-free line: *0800-970000-10.
Lassa fever has been a recurring crisis in Nigeria for decades, but with the right information and collective action, we can reduce its impact significantly. Share this article with your family and friends — awareness is the first line of defence.
Stay informed. Stay safe. Nigeria can beat this.
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