Why Does Lassa Fever Return? The Answers Hidden in Nigeria's Social Conversations

araymond
Sep 12, 2025
4 min read

Lassa fever is once again in the headlines. The Lassa fever outbreak 2025 in Nigeria began in August, earlier than usual, with most cases reported in Edo and Ondo States. Every year, Nigerians ask: why does Lassa fever keep coming back in Nigeria?

Beyond the medical explanations, the story is also reflected in social conversations — WhatsApp forwards, Twitter debates, Facebook comments — where fears, myths, and frustrations reveal how Nigerians truly feel about the outbreak.

At HXConnect, we write informative blog posts that connect these conversations with insights from reliable sources like NCDC, WHO, and CDC, while highlighting how affordable healthcare access can protect families.

What is Lassa Fever and What Causes It?

Many Nigerians ask: what is Lassa fever? Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family.

The etiology of Lassa fever is linked to contact with food or household items contaminated by rodents, particularly the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), which serves as the natural host of the virus.

In practical terms, the causes of Lassa fever include unsafe food storage and living conditions that allow rodents to contaminate food, water, or surfaces. So when people ask, “what causes Lassa fever?”, the answer lies in both environmental factors and human habits that increase exposure to the Lassa virus.

For more background: WHO Fact Sheet – Lassa Fever

Why Lassa Fever is Endemic in Nigeria

Experts explain that Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria because of its seasonal pattern. Outbreaks peak in the dry season (October–April), when human-rodent contact increases.

However, the Lassa fever outbreak 2025 in Nigeria began in August, earlier than expected, raising new concerns about changing patterns and the constant presence of the disease.

Limited infrastructure and delayed treatment worsen the situation.

For reliable updates, see: NCDC Situation Report on Lassa Fever.

Nigerians’ Reactions Online

On Twitter conversations about Lassa fever outbreaks, many Nigerians voice frustration:

“It’s Edo and Ondo again this year — why always us?”
“How do we still not have a vaccine for this after decades?”

Meanwhile, misinformation on WhatsApp circulates quickly. A common myth is that “drinking garri causes Lassa fever.” The truth is: improper food storage that allows rodent contamination is the real risk.

At HXConnect, our blog helps Nigerians sift facts from myths by referencing reliable health authorities like WHO on Lassa Fever.

How Nigerians Can Protect Themselves From Lassa Fever

Prevention is a national responsibility, not just for certain groups. Here are practical steps for every home and community:

Safe food storage: Cover and seal food items.
Rodent control: Block holes, set traps, and keep environments clean.
Personal hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap.
Early care: Seek medical help quickly when symptoms appear.

For more prevention tips: CDC Guide on Lassa Fever Prevention.

Nigeria’s Response to the Lassa Fever Outbreak 2025

The Nigeria government response to Lassa fever 2025 includes expanding treatment centers, publishing NCDC updates on Lassa fever in Nigeria, and running sensitization campaigns.

But healthcare system challenges with the Lassa fever outbreak — such as cost of treatment and limited labs — remain.

At HXConnect, we provide Nigerians with information on how to compare and choose affordable health insurance so cost is not a barrier to treatment.

You can explore different health insurance options on http://healthconnect.ng

Health Insurance and International Support

Treatment for Lassa fever is expensive, making the role of health insurance in Nigeria critical. Platforms like HXConnect simplify access by connecting families to affordable options.

International support — from WHO, Africa CDC, and other partners — is strengthening Nigeria’s outbreak response. But lasting solutions will depend on Nigerians having domestic platforms like HXConnect that ensure continuous, affordable healthcare access.

What Nigerians Are Saying About Lassa Fever

From WhatsApp chats to Twitter debates, what Nigerians are saying about Lassa fever reflects both fear and resilience. People want facts, solutions, and affordable care.

At HXConnect, we respond by publishing informative, easy-to-understand blog posts backed by WHO and NCDC data, while guiding Nigerians toward affordable care options that actually work.

Conclusively

Yes, Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and may return season after season. But by addressing myths, strengthening prevention, and expanding healthcare access, Nigerians can be better prepared.

At HXConnect, our blog connects Nigerians to facts, insights, and affordable healthcare options that matter.

Stay updated with HXConnect Blog — because the right information today can save lives tomorrow.

You can explore different health insurance options on http://healthconnect.ng

References & Resources

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – Lassa Fever Information & Situation Reports
- The most authoritative source for Nigeria-specific outbreak updates, case numbers, and government response.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Lassa Fever Fact Sheet
- Global context on Lassa fever, including symptoms, transmission, and international response.
Africa CDC – Lassa Fever Outbreak Updates
- Regional health security perspective and Africa-wide response strategies.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Lassa Fever Prevention & Treatment
- Useful for practical prevention guidance and scientific background.
The Conversation Africa – Explainer articles on Lassa Fever in Nigeria
- Research-based commentary that helps link science to social issues.