Deadly Surge: FG Sounds Alarm as Lassa Fever Cases and Deaths Spike Across Six States

By Achimi Muktar

ABUJA — The Federal Government has raised the alarm over a disturbing surge in Lassa fever cases and deaths, with six states recording a combined 1,154 confirmed cases and 190 fatalities in just four weeks.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), sounded the warning during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, revealing grim statistics that highlight the severity of the outbreak.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

Since the start of the year, the NCDC has reported 9,492 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 1,154 confirmed and 190 deaths. Six states—Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi—account for 89% of the confirmed cases:

Ondo: 29.7%

Edo: 22.7%

Bauchi: 17.9%

Taraba: 8.8%

Benue: 5.6%

Ebonyi: 4.0%

Notably, 10 local government areas, including Owo, Etsako West, and Jalingo, contributed nearly half of all confirmed cases, signaling hotspots requiring urgent intervention.

“Alarming” Trends

Dr. Idris described the situation as alarming, with the case fatality rate stubbornly high at over 13%. He attributed the rise in suspected cases partly to enhanced surveillance but emphasized that most infections continue to emerge from endemic areas, underscoring the need for targeted actions.

“The rapid increase in cases and deaths over the past four weeks is a clear signal of the outbreak’s severity,” Idris said. “Our goal is to reduce cases and, most importantly, prevent deaths.”

Government's Response

In a bid to combat the crisis, the NCDC has taken several measures:

Emergency Activation: A dynamic risk assessment categorized the outbreak as "High," prompting a Response Level 2 activation for enhanced coordination.

Expanded Testing: Lassa fever testing laboratories have increased from 9 to 13 nationwide, with more upgrades planned.

Resource Deployment: Critical medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and laboratory tools have been distributed across states.

State Partnerships: Advisories have been issued to all 36 states and the FCT, with hotspot states receiving focused attention.

Dr. Idris highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “The NCDC will continue to work closely with State Health Commissioners to ensure a robust outbreak response.”

Call to Action

With the outbreak’s severity escalating, the government has urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant, practice preventive measures, and report suspected cases promptly. As efforts ramp up, the NCDC remains committed to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.

This deadly surge in Lassa fever underscores the importance of coordinated action and public awareness in halting the spread of this life-threatening disease. Stay tuned for updates on containment efforts and progress in affected areas.