The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 9,492 suspected cases, with 190 deaths reported so far in 2024.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that the agency had activated its Emergency Operations Centre to address the ongoing outbreak.
Dr. Idris noted that a recent risk assessment classified the situation as high, underscoring the severity of the outbreak during the peak transmission season.
“Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a significant public health risk across all states. The disease occurs year-round, but peak transmission typically occurs between October and May, coinciding with the dry season when human exposure to rodents is highest,” Idris said.
He highlighted the alarming rise in cases and fatalities over the last month, stating, “Cumulatively this year, we have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed, and 190 deaths. Six states—Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi—account for 89 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at 29.7 per cent.”
Dr. Idris explained that the virus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodents or contaminated materials, adding that person-to-person transmission can occur via direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual.
The NCDC chief also acknowledged a rise in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023, which he attributed to enhanced surveillance efforts. “We have seen an increase in the number of suspected cases, but this is a result of improved and expanded surveillance,” he noted.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has implemented several measures, including distributing medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and diagnostic tools to affected states.
Dr. Idris stated that Lassa fever testing laboratories had been increased from nine to 13, with plans for further expansion. Additionally, targeted rodent control exercises were conducted in high-burden states such as Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, and Benue.
“We conducted a dynamic risk assessment to determine the emergency activation level, categorizing it as High. Response Level Two was advised to tailor interventions specifically to states experiencing an increased case burden.
“The EOC was activated to ensure seamless coordination of control and management activities using a One Health approach,” he explained.
The public was advised to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining clean environments, securely storing food, avoiding drying foodstuffs on the ground or roadside, discouraging bush burning, and practicing good hygiene.
Dr. Idris urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant and adhere to standard infection prevention protocols. “Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever when treating patients with febrile illnesses. All suspected cases should be promptly reported to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers for timely diagnosis and intervention,” he advised.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating the impact of Lassa fever through proactive measures and collaboration with stakeholders.
“By implementing these strategies and adhering to public health advisories, we can reduce the impact of Lassa fever and protect communities across Nigeria,” Dr. Idris concluded.
