Korede Abdullah in Lagos and Sultan Rabiu in Abuja
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 190 deaths out of 9,492 suspected cases so far in 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, described the outbreak as severe, noting that the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to manage the situation.
He said a risk assessment categorised the outbreak as high, with cases significantly rising in the last four weeks.
“Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a significant public health risk across all states. The disease occurs throughout the year, with peak transmission typically recorded between October and May,” Idris stated.
According to him, six states accounted for 89% of the confirmed cases: Ondo (29.7%), Edo (22.7%), Bauchi (17.9%), Taraba (8.8%), Benue (5.6%), and Ebonyi (4%). Additionally, ten local government areas, including Owo, Etsako West, and Jalingo, were responsible for nearly 59% of the cases.
Idris noted that the case fatality rate remains alarmingly high at over 13%, with a noticeable increase in suspected cases compared to 2023. However, he attributed the rise partly to enhanced surveillance and testing efforts.
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, spreads primarily through contact with droppings from infected rats or contaminated food, surfaces, and household items.
Person-to-person transmission is also possible through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has implemented several measures, including distributing medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools nationwide.
The agency has also expanded Lassa fever testing laboratories from nine to 13, with plans for further upgrades.
Rodent control exercises have been conducted in high-burden states like Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, and Benue to reduce transmission.
The NCDC has also activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate response efforts using a “One Health” approach.
The NCDC urged the public to maintain clean environments, store food safely, avoid bush burning, and practice good hygiene.
Healthcare workers were also advised to remain vigilant and adhere to standard infection prevention practices while maintaining a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever in febrile patients.
Idris emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen the response and protect vulnerable populations. “Our goal is to reduce the number of cases and, importantly, deaths.
By implementing these strategies and adhering to public health advisories, we can reduce the impact of Lassa fever and safeguard communities nationwide,” he said.
