Radio broadcasts and caller sentiment reveal a heightened sense of anxiety regarding the resurgence of Lassa fever, characterized by "fatigue" over recurring outbreaks mixed with acute fear in newly affected areas. Dominant narratives focus on intense scrutiny of food sources (bush meat, bread, dried fish), urgent calls for environmental hygiene, and significant knowledge gaps regarding transmission and prevention methods.

Data Source

The analysis covers dozens of relevant radio broadcasts from late December 2025 through January 2026, primarily from stations in Abuja, Kano, Makurdi (Benue), and Lagos. Key stations include Wazobia FM, Agate Radio, FRCN Kapital FM, and Lagos Talks.

The data indicates that fears of Lassa fever are becoming both more frequent and more intense. The narrative has shifted from general seasonal warnings to specific, panic-driven discussions about "mystery ailments" and immediate fatalities in states like Nasarawa and Rivers.

Main Narratives Identified

1. Intensifying Fear and "Outbreak Fatigue"

There is a palpable sense of dread among citizens, often expressed as exasperation that the disease has returned.

Recurrence Fatigue: Callers frequently lamented "Lassa fever again?" and expressed helplessness, praying for divine protection because they feel besieged by multiple threats (bandits, economic hardship, and now disease). One caller remarked, "Every day is bad news... Lassa fever again. May God help us".

Acute Panic in Outbreak Zones: In areas with active fatalities, fear is intense. Reports from Nasarawa State noted that "fear and anxiety have gripped residents and health workers" after four deaths, including pregnant women, led to the shutdown of a general hospital. In Rivers State, initial confusion over a "mystery ailment" that killed 11 people before being identified as Lassa fever heightened public alarm.

"Lassa fever again? My God, may God protect us... Every day is bad news, bad stories."

— Caller

2. High Anxiety Around Food Safety and Transmission

A significant portion of the discourse involves citizens questioning the safety of their daily food, revealing deep paranoia about contamination.

Food Scrutiny: Citizens are obsessively checking food for signs of rodents. One caller described examining bread for "scratches" and asking if removing the eaten part makes it safe, admitting, "I'm kind of scared sometimes... looking at the bread somehow".

Confusion on Transmission: There are dangerous knowledge gaps. Callers asked if dried fish could transmit the virus or if boiling meat for "60 minutes" would kill the virus. Others asked if sick rats have visible symptoms so they could identify which ones to avoid eating, suggesting that hunting and eating rats remains a common practice despite warnings.

"Recently... fear and anxiety have gripped residents... tension began when a woman was brought to a health facility... and died shortly before receiving medical attention."

— Reporter

"I'm kind of scared sometimes when I'm removing that [part of the bread]... has the Lassa whatever spread around the bread?"

— Caller

3. Hygiene as the Primary Defense

The "Cleanliness is Next to Godliness" narrative is pushed heavily by both hosts and callers, placing the burden of prevention on individual responsibility.

Community Mobilization: Callers urged each other to "gather rubbish" and "clean the house," with some suggesting that those who are dirty are inviting the disease.

Behavioral Change: Public health messages emphasized storing food in rodent-proof containers and stopping the consumption of bush meat. However, some citizens deflected blame, accusing roadside food sellers of spreading diseases.

"They say cleanliness is next to godliness... If you clean and don't have too many rats around... all these things, they help."

— Caller

4. Systemic Strain and Distrust

While Nigerian Center for Disease Control efforts (rapid response teams) are acknowledged, there is underlying criticism of the government's capacity to manage the crisis.

Infrastructure Failures: Residents in Gwer West linked the health crisis to the lack of potable water, appealing to the government for water to prevent a "public health crisis".

Healthcare Collapse: The shutdown of the General Hospital in Awe (Nasarawa) and the isolation of its medical superintendent highlighted the fragility of the health system.

Skepticism: Some callers viewed government warnings with cynicism, implying officials might "get their cut" from crisis management funds or that elite mining activities were somehow connected to the trouble.