At least eight states in northern Nigeria have recorded 64 out of 113 deaths from lass fever between January and March 2025 alone.
The latest data on the outbreak of Lassa fever by the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reveals the Lassa fever continues to be a significant burden, with 604 confirmed cases across the country in the last three months.
Bauchi, Taraba, Kogi, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna ranked among the most affected Northern states.
However, Southern states such as Ondo, Edo, and Ebonyi also report high numbers, raising critical questions about healthcare infrastructure, government accountability, and community awareness in the states.
The report shows that Bauchi and Taraba are among the worst-hit states, with a high number of reported infections and fatalities.
Bauchi State reported 147 confirmed cases and 12 deaths while Taraba reported 96 confirmed cases with 30 deaths, the highest figure recorded among the whole states of the federation.
Kogi, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna also contribute significantly to the national Lassa fever burden.
Except for Ondo and Edo in the South, the cases in Northern states remain disproportionately high compared to some other Southern states.
Expert observed that beyond the officially recorded cases, several victims, particularly in remote areas who sometimes rely on traditional medicine or self-medication, remain undocumented, and their suffering is hidden from public records.
The absence of proper disease surveillance systems means that countless infections never make it into official statistics, masking the true scale of the outbreak.
For every confirmed case, there could be many more undetected infections, with victims succumbing to the disease in isolation leaving many communities without the urgent interventions they need.
Moreover, many healthcare facilities in these states lack the necessary diagnostic tools, and trained personnel to handle viral hemorrhagic fevers like Lassa fever.
Lassa fever remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest public health challenges, with outbreaks persisting despite decades of intervention efforts.
The primary vector of Lassa fever, the Mastomys natalensis rodent, thrives due to poor sanitation and inadequate rodent control measures, according to experts.
Health experts observe that cultural and socioeconomic factors also play a role in the outbreaks, as many communities still engage in unsafe food storage practices that expose them to rodent contamination.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) observes that there is a concerning lack of sustained government interventions and investment in long-term disease control measures.
Despite years of recurring outbreaks, both the federal and state governments have failed to prioritize public health measures that could mitigate the impact of disease.
Implications of Lassa Fever Outbreaks
The continued Lassa fever outbreaks have consequences beyond immediate fatalities. The high transmission rates have put pressure on already weak health systems in these states, leading to preventable deaths.
Many hospitals and clinics in affected areas cannot properly treat Lassa fever patients, resulting in overcrowded facilities and increased mortality rates.
The disease also has an economic impact as infected individuals often require extended recovery periods, thereby affecting workforce productivity. In some communities, fear of infection disrupts normal activities.
The burden on healthcare workers is another pressing concern. Many frontline workers, especially in Northern states, lack personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper training on how to handle infectious diseases, leading to infections among doctors and nurses.
Beyond the economic and healthcare impact, there is also a psychological and social burden associated with Lassa fever. Survivors and families of the deceased in some cases face stigma, discouraging others from seeking medical help early.
Who Should Be Held Accountable?
Despite decades of Lassa fever outbreaks, there has been little effort at both federal and state levels. The governors of the most affected states bear primary responsibility for failing to strengthen healthcare systems and implement effective disease control strategies.
In contrast, many have prioritized political projects over health sector investments, leaving hospitals unequipped to handle outbreaks.
The Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC are responsible for coordinating epidemic response, yet their impact remains inadequate.
A lack of sustained funding, weak disease surveillance, and poor coordination between state and federal health agencies have contributed to the ongoing crisis.
Local government authorities have also failed in their duty to enforce sanitation policies and engage communities in preventive measures. In many rural areas, community leaders and traditional rulers play a crucial role in influencing public behaviour.
Records show their failure to promote proper hygiene practices and early hospital visits contributes to the persistence of Lassa fever.
Addressing Lassa Fever
WHO suggests a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to break the cycle of Lassa fever outbreaks. Governments must prioritize healthcare infrastructure, equipping hospitals with diagnostic facilities, isolation centres, and trained personnel.
Rodent control measures must be enforced more aggressively, with stricter sanitation laws and community-based interventions aimed at reducing the rodent population. State authorities must launch sustained public awareness campaigns, targeting communities with culturally sensitive information about Lassa fever prevention.
Analysis by WikkiTimes shows that many state governments allocate insufficient budgets to healthcare, relying heavily on federal or donor interventions. A shift in budget priorities is necessary to ensure long-term investment in disease prevention rather than reactive measures during outbreaks.
In addition, some experts argued that traditional leaders and local organizations should be engaged in public health education campaigns to change harmful practices that increase Lassa fever transmission.
They believe that without decisive action, Lassa fever will remain a recurring tragedy, heavily affecting the most vulnerable populations.
