The Executive Director of the International Centre of Excellence (IRCE), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, says similarities among different strains of the Lassa virus could pave the way for a single vaccine to protect populations across West Africa.
Speaking in Abuja ahead of the institute’s 3rd Annual Scientific Symposium, which holds on Monday and Tuesday, Abimiku explained that research conducted by the centre had shown that Lassa virus strains in Nigeria were largely similar despite minor mutations.
“One of the first studies we carried out was to understand how the strains are changing. We also studied the rodents that spread the virus in Bauchi, Edo, and other states to see if there were differences. So far, results show that the strains are very similar, which is encouraging for vaccine development because one vaccine could be effective across regions,” she said.
She noted that Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats. Symptoms include fever, weakness, headaches, sore throat, chest pain, and in severe cases, bleeding.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi states recording the highest number of cases. Fatality rates among hospitalised patients can be as high as 15 to 20 per cent, making it a serious public health concern.
Abimiku revealed that vaccine trials are currently ongoing in Nigeria, Liberia, and Senegal, and stressed that findings from Nigerian studies would play a key role in ensuring their effectiveness. She added that the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), which established the IRCE in 2016, is committed to conducting research that meets international standards.
On HIV/AIDS, she admitted that progress had slowed due to the suspension of U.S. government funding but noted that the centre continues to push for alternative funding to keep research active.
“If a safe and effective vaccine for Lassa fever is achieved, it could transform the fight against the disease not only in Nigeria but across West Africa,” she said.
Recent NCDC figures show that in week 34, Nigeria recorded three new confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Edo and Ondo states, with 160 deaths reported so far in 2025. This brings the year’s total to 857 confirmed cases across 21 states and 106 local government areas. Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for 90 per cent of the infections, with young adults between 21 and 30 years being the most affected group.
