Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Nigeria is experiencing a significant 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, attributed the rise in cases to the peak transmission season, which coincides with the dry season lasting until April.
“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 explained.
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.
These include frequent handwashing with soap and water, storing food in rodent-proof containers, proper disposal of waste to deter rodents, and avoiding environments contaminated by rodents.
Dr. Idris emphasized 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, emphasizing 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,” Dr. Oladipo said.
The antiviral drug ribavirin remains the primary treatment for Lassa fever, and experts note that it can be life-saving if administered early. With collective efforts, Nigeria can mitigate the impact of the current outbreak and save lives.
As the dry season progresses, public health officials stress the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.
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, and the disease is fatal in about 20% of cases, particularly when treatment is delayed.
