Lassa Fever Spreads Rapidly Among Nigerian Healthcare Workers – NCDC Alerts
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports an alarming rise in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers, with 15 confirmed cases and 2 deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7, officials said on Monday.
The agency notes that infections have been reported across multiple states, including Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue, with localised hotspots at the LGA level.
“Recent surveillance data indicate gaps in infection prevention and control, misaligned with actual exposure risks, with fatal consequences,” the NCDC advisory warns. “Every healthcare worker infection is investigated to identify drivers of transmission and prevent further cases.”
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, is endemic in Nigeria and other West African countries. It is primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, though person-to-person transmission in healthcare settings is possible where infection control measures are inadequate.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recurring outbreaks have increased since 2016, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in healthcare and community practices.
“The NCDC expresses sympathy to affected health workers and urges strict adherence to infection prevention protocols,” the advisory adds.
As Nigeria contends with another outbreak, the health agency emphasises that timely identification, proper use of personal protective equipment, and robust IPC strategies remain crucial to controlling the spread among frontline workers.
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