The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public advisory on Lassa fever, urging Nigerians to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the deadly viral disease.
According to the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris during a press briefing on current Lassa fever trends in Abuja, said the virus spreads through direct contact with droppings such as urine, feces, saliva, or blood of infected rats. Transmission can also occur through contaminated objects, food, water, or direct person-to-person contact with body fluids of infected individuals.
“Early symptoms of Lassa fever mimic other febrile illnesses like malaria and include fever, headache, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to bleeding from various body openings.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, with multimammate rats and other rodents serving as its natural reservoir.
Dr Idris highlighted individuals at higher risk, including residents in rat-infested areas, handlers of potentially contaminated foodstuff, and healthcare workers exposed to infected patients without standard precautions. Laboratory personnel and those preparing the bodies of deceased Lassa fever victims without adequate protective gear are also at risk.
He emphasized the need for frequent handwashing, safe preparation of bushmeat, and discouraging unsafe practices like bush burning, which displaces rodents into residential areas. Overcrowding, self-medication, and poor hygiene were identified as key contributors to the spread of the disease.
The DG said as of December 2024, the country has recorded 9,492 suspected cases, with 1,154 confirmed and 190 deaths in six states, including Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, account for 89% of confirmed cases, with outbreaks most severe in the dry season between October and May.
“The alarming trends include a 13% case fatality rate and a rise in suspected cases compared to last year, which the NCDC attributes partly to enhanced surveillance. Key hotspots include Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, demanding targeted interventions to curb further spread.
“In response, the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to strengthen coordination using a One Health approach. Surveillance has been heightened, and critical medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and laboratory tools have been distributed nationwide. Testing laboratories have also been expanded from nine to 13, with plans for further upgrades.
“Proactive measures have included public awareness campaigns, rodent control exercises in high-burden states like Ondo and Edo, and regular training sessions for healthcare workers. The NCDC also continues to collaborate with state health commissioners to enhance outbreak responses.”
Dr. Idris urged the public to maintain good hygiene, store food securely, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as fever, weakness, and bleeding occur. Healthcare workers are advised to use protective equipment and report suspected cases to ensure early intervention.
The NCDC remains committed to safeguarding public health through coordinated responses and stakeholder collaboration, emphasizing the importance of adhering to preventive measures to reduce the outbreak’s impact.
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