Nigeria has recorded 177 deaths from Lassa fever this year, as health authorities warn that delayed hospital presentation and poor sanitation continue to fuel the spread of the viral disease.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that the number of deaths caused by Lassa fever since the start of the year has risen to 177, marking a significant increase compared to the same period in 2024.

According to the NCDC’s latest update, 966 confirmed cases were reported between January and October across 106 local government areas in 21 states, reflecting the persistent burden of the disease in both southern and northern regions of the country.

The agency noted that the case fatality rate stands at 18.3%, higher than the 16.5% recorded during the same period last year. Officials stated that the rise in fatalities is “largely associated with late presentation and insufficient health-seeking behavior,” often linked to high treatment costs and limited access to healthcare facilities.

The most affected states remain Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba, which together account for more than 87% of all confirmed infections. Ondo State alone represents 36% of total cases, making it the epicenter of the outbreak.

Data indicates that young adults aged 21–30 constitute the dominant age group impacted by the virus, while the male-to-female ratio among patients is 1:0.8.

Health authorities warn that poor sanitation, low public awareness in high-risk communities, and delays in seeking medical attention continue to exacerbate the outbreak.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

The NCDC urged communities to strengthen hygiene practices, store food properly, reduce rodent infestation, and seek immediate medical care when symptoms develop.(ILKHA)