The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised the alarm over a surge in Lassa fever cases, particularly in Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo states, since November 2024.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that the agency had issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease during the peak transmission period.
“The peak dry season, which extends until April, poses a significant risk of escalating the outbreak if preventive measures are not strictly adhered to,” Dr. Idris warned.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease first identified in 1969 in the town of Lassa, Borno State, is endemic in Nigeria. Outbreaks occur almost annually, with the disease primarily transmitted through contact with food or surfaces contaminated by excretions from infected rodents. It can also spread through direct contact with the body fluids of infected individuals, posing a heightened risk to healthcare workers and caregivers.
Symptoms of the disease range from mild fever and joint pain to severe cases involving bleeding from the nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal tract. According to Dr. Idris, the disease has a fatality rate of about 20% when treatment is delayed.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has intensified surveillance and response activities in affected states. Dr. Idris advised frequent hand washing with soap and water, storing food in rodent-proof containers, and proper waste disposal to deter rodents. He emphasized the importance of early reporting of suspected cases to health facilities, as delayed reporting has hindered effective containment efforts.
“Public awareness and early intervention are critical to curbing this outbreak,” he stated.
In addition, public health expert Dr. Tunde Oladipo described the outbreak as “a serious but preventable health crisis.” He highlighted the importance of strict hygiene practices, proper food storage, and rodent control in reducing transmission.
“Individuals should avoid unprotected contact with sick persons or their fluids,” Dr. Oladipo advised.
The NCDC continues to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended preventive measures to help mitigate the spread of Lassa fever during this critical period.
