NCDC Identifies Three States As Epicentre In Ongoing Lassa Fever Outbreak.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states as the epicentres of the Lassa fever outbreak currently affecting the country.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, revealed that the three states have collectively contributed over 70 per cent of the confirmed Lassa fever cases reported so far in 2025.
Dr Idris stated that between January and the end of March 2025, Nigeria recorded 660 confirmed cases of Lassa fever. Ondo State accounted for 30 per cent of these cases, Bauchi 25 per cent, and Edo 16 per cent, highlighting the concentrated nature of the outbreak.
In response to the surge in infections, the NCDC has activated a nationwide multi-sectoral incident management system to coordinate public health measures across the affected regions.
“As the cases surge in these epicentre states, our response is focused on early detection, case management, risk communication, and community engagement,” Dr Idris explained. “Transmission remains active in multiple local councils, with 28 states and 125 councils affected this year.”
The outbreak has so far claimed 122 lives, resulting in a case fatality rate of 18.5 per cent—an increase from the 17.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
To curb the spread, the NCDC has deployed rapid response teams to hotspot areas, trained healthcare workers on infection prevention and control, and intensified community sensitisation campaigns.
Dr Idris emphasised the importance of early medical intervention to reduce the risk of fatalities and urged the public to seek prompt healthcare attention at the onset of symptoms.
He also highlighted ongoing collaborations with international partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), aimed at strengthening surveillance, improving clinical care, and boosting public awareness.
The NCDC is further supporting research initiatives to enhance outbreak preparedness and response capacity, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding public health.
