Escalating Lassa Fever Outbreak Across Nigeria: Urgent Need for Legislative Action

Abstract

Nigeria is currently experiencing a severe outbreak of Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with food or surfaces contaminated by rodent excreta. Between January and March 2025, 3,465 suspected cases were reported, including 645 confirmed and 118 deaths, resulting in an alarming case fatality rate of 18.3%, with a spike to 33.3% reported in Epidemiological Week 14 (March 31 to April 6). The outbreak has spread across 91 Local Government Areas in 33 states, with Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo accounting for 73% of all confirmed cases. The outbreak is severely straining Nigeria’s healthcare system, exposing gaps in surveillance, coordination, and healthcare worker protection. Infections among frontline medical personnel have further revealed systemic weaknesses in infection prevention and control (IPC). To address this escalating public health threat, urgent legislative action is needed. Key recommendations include summoning health authorities for a joint hearing, upgrading disease surveillance systems, improving IPC training and equipment for healthcare workers, and launching a national public education campaign on Lassa fever prevention. Swift and coordinated intervention by the National Assembly is vital to contain the current outbreak and build resilience against future epidemics.