A surge in Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks across Nigeria has claimed at least 366 lives between January and May 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The agency has raised alarm over the intensifying public health crisis as it struggles to contain the spread of these deadly diseases in over two-thirds of the country.
New figures published by the NCDC on Friday show that Lassa fever alone has resulted in 141 deaths from 733 confirmed cases out of 5,118 suspected infections. The disease is currently active in 18 states and 95 local government areas.
“The case fatality rate stands at 19.2 percent slightly higher than the 18.3 percent recorded in 2024,” the centre stated in its weekly situation report.
“This means one in five people infected is dying, despite ongoing coordinated national efforts.”
Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi Under Pressure
The most affected states are Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, which together account for 72 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases. Ondo leads with 30 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent and Edo with 17 per cent.
During the 20th week of the year alone, the NCDC recorded a sharp rise in new infections, jumping from three to 13 cases. These were all reported in Edo, Ondo, and Benue states.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 are reportedly the most vulnerable demographic, with infections distributed almost equally between men and women. However, no new infections have been reported among healthcare workers in the past week a small relief in an otherwise worsening scenario.
To tackle the rising wave of infections, the NCDC has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System. This emergency structure is designed to facilitate swift coordination of surveillance, diagnosis, risk communication, and treatment efforts nationwide.
“We urge heightened vigilance at the community and health facility levels,” the agency noted, emphasising the need for states to strengthen their local response mechanisms.
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In parallel, Nigeria is grappling with a deadly meningitis outbreak. Between January and May, the NCDC confirmed 192 cases from 2,911 suspected infections. The death toll has reached 225, representing a case fatality rate of 7.7 per cent.
Children aged five to 14 are the hardest hit, with boys accounting for 60 per cent of all confirmed cases.
“The outbreak has now spread to 24 states and 173 LGAs,” the agency said. “Ten northern states including Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Jigawa account for 97 per cent of all suspected cases.”
The NCDC has also activated a national Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate multi-agency interventions.
The response involves collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and several development partners.
“We are providing continuous technical support to high-burden states and reinforcing outbreak preparedness across the country,” the NCDC affirmed. “Regular high-level coordination meetings with state health officials are ongoing to ensure targeted and efficient responses.”
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected medical equipment. Early symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients may experience internal bleeding or haemorrhage from body openings.
Meningitis, on the other hand, is typically caused by bacterial or viral infections that inflame the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, headaches, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If untreated, the disease can lead to brain damage or death within hours.
Despite being preventable through improved hygiene, vaccination, and early detection, both Lassa fever and meningitis continue to pose a serious challenge to Nigeria’s public health system.
Experts warn that the combination of under-resourced health facilities, limited public awareness, and climate-related factors like rising temperatures are exacerbating the spread.
