Nigeria has continued to experience a surge in Lassa fever infections, with Bauchi, Edo and Ondo states reporting the highest number of cases since November 2024, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Director-general of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris disclosed this in an interview with Science Nigeria in Abuja. He explained that the peak transmission season, which coincides with the dry season lasting until April, has heightened the risk of a wider outbreak.
“Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa. It is primarily transmitted through food or surfaces contaminated with excretions from infected rodents,” Idris said. “The disease can also spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, making healthcare workers and caregivers particularly vulnerable.”
To combat the rising cases, the NCDC has issued a comprehensive public advisory, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures. Key recommendations include:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Storing food in rodent-proof containers.
- Proper disposal of waste to deter rodents.
- Avoiding environments contaminated by rodents.
The agency has also intensified surveillance and response efforts in the most affected states. However, challenges such as late reporting of cases, limited healthcare access in rural areas, and inadequate infection prevention practices in healthcare facilities continue to hinder containment.
Idris emphasised the importance of early detection, urging Nigerians to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility. “Awareness and early intervention are critical to curbing the outbreak,” he said.
Public health experts echoed the NCDC’s concerns, emphasising the need for strict hygiene practices and rodent control. Dr. Tunde Oladipo, a public health expert, described the outbreak as a “serious but preventable health crisis.”
“Proper food storage, hygiene, and avoiding unprotected contact with sick persons or their bodily fluids are crucial steps to reduce transmission,” Oladipo said.
For survivors like Mrs. Blessing Eze, early treatment made all the difference. Recounting her ordeal, the trader said, “It started with fever and body pain, but I didn’t realise it was Lassa fever until I began bleeding from my gums. Thankfully, I got treatment on time.” She urged Nigerians to take preventive measures seriously to avoid similar experiences.
The antiviral drug ribavirin remains the primary treatment for Lassa fever. Experts note that it can be life-saving if administered early. They advise anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or unusual bleeding to seek immediate medical attention.
Lassa fever, first identified in 1969 in Lassa, Borno State, is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring almost every year. Symptoms range from mild fever and joint pain to severe bleeding from the nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal tract. The disease is fatal in about 20 per cent of cases, particularly when treatment is delayed.
As the dry season progresses, public health officials stress the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures. With collective efforts, Nigeria can mitigate the impact of the current outbreak and save lives.
