Nigeria’s Silent Crisis: 366 Dead from Lassa Fever and Meningitis Outbreaks

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that a total of 366 people have died from Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks across 24 states in 2025.

The agency’s latest report reveals a disturbing public health emergency that has remained largely underreported in mainstream media. The dual outbreaks, especially in rural communities with limited access to healthcare, underscore the fragile state of Nigeria’s health infrastructure.

According to the NCDC, Lassa fever has accounted for the majority of the fatalities, with high transmission rates seen in Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi States. Meningitis, often linked to seasonal weather patterns and poor sanitation, has also spread rapidly in northern Nigeria. The disease burden has strained available health facilities, with many hospitals reporting shortages of medical supplies and personnel.

The federal government has responded by deploying rapid response teams and launching awareness campaigns in affected regions. Still, experts warn that these efforts are reactive rather than preventive. “We need to invest more in disease surveillance and primary healthcare, not just when outbreaks occur,” said Dr. Ifeanyi Nwosu, a public health expert based in Abuja.

Many Nigerians remain unaware of the symptoms or transmission routes of Lassa fever and meningitis, which leads to late diagnosis and higher mortality rates. Community leaders and health educators have begun grassroots outreach programs, but logistics, funding, and misinformation remain key barriers to success.

As the rainy season approaches, health authorities fear a potential escalation in the spread of waterborne and airborne diseases. The NCDC has urged citizens to maintain hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid self-medication. But until systemic changes are made, Nigeria’s cycle of health emergencies will likely continue, claiming lives that could have been saved with early action.