The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant increase in Lassa fever cases in 2024, with 1,154 confirmed cases out of 9,492 suspected cases and 190 deaths recorded so far.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, raised concerns over the alarming rise in cases over the past four weeks, emphasizing the severity of the outbreak.
The agency has activated its Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa fever and categorized the outbreak risk as high, signaling an urgent need for intensified response efforts.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is caused by the Lassa virus, which is primarily transmitted by the multimammate rat, a common rodent in Nigeria.
The disease spreads through direct contact with infected rodents’ urine, feces, saliva, or blood, and occasionally through person-to-person transmission, especially in healthcare settings.
The outbreak has been linked to the peak Lassa fever season, which typically spans October to May. During this period, dry weather conditions increase human exposure to rodents, particularly in endemic areas.
According to the NCDC, six states—Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi—account for 89 percent of confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at nearly 30 percent.
Ten local government areas (LGAs), including Owo and Etsako West, contribute to 59 percent of cases nationwide.
The disease’s case fatality rate remains high, exceeding 13 percent. A notable increase in suspected cases has also been observed compared to 2023.
While this rise can partly be attributed to improved surveillance systems, it underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-burden states.
The NCDC has outlined several proactive measures to combat the outbreak. These include distributing critical medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools to states nationwide.
The number of Lassa fever testing laboratories has been expanded from nine to 13, with plans for further upgrades. Rodent control exercises have also been conducted in high-burden states, such as Edo, Ondo, and Benue, to reduce community exposure to the virus.
To ensure seamless coordination of efforts, the NCDC activated its Emergency Operations Centre, adopting a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health measures.
The agency has emphasized the importance of preparedness and collaboration at all levels to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.
Dr. Idris urged the public to take preventive measures, including keeping environments clean, storing food securely, avoiding bush burning and deforestation, and practicing good hygiene.
He also called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, adhere to standard infection prevention protocols, and report suspected cases promptly for effective public health action.
The NCDC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through coordinated responses, proactive interventions, and stakeholder collaboration.
With these measures in place, the agency aims to reduce the disease burden and protect vulnerable populations across the country.
