Nigeria’s infectious disease monitoring agency – Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that the country recorded 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 190 deaths in 2024.
NCDC also said that six states accounted for 89 per cent of the cases.
Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja, listing the six states as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi.
At the council level, the local government areas, Idris identified Owo, Etsako West, and Jalingo as most hard hit and contributing to nearly 59 per cent of cases.
The Daily Crucible reports that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through rodents. It is a recurring endemic health challenge in Nigeria, with peak transmission typically occurring during dry season from October to May when bush burning that dispossess rodents of their habits is rife.
Shorn of their habitats and food due to bush burning, the rodents move closer to human habitation for shelter and food, then putting man at the risk of contracting the Lasa fever virus.
However, explaining the outbreak’s severity and the agency’s ongoing response measures, the DG noted that the case fatality rate for Lassa fever has exceeded 13 per cent. Compared to the same period in 2023, there has been a rise in suspected cases, attributed to enhanced surveillance and reporting, he said.
Dr Idirs said that the NCDC had activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Response Level 2, ensuring coordinated efforts using a One Health approach.
He said the key measures included distribution of medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and diagnostic tools across the nation.
He said, “Expansion of Lassa fever testing laboratories, conducting rodent control campaigns in high-burden state, intensifying public health messaging on prevention and early reporting, collaboration with state health commissioners and international partners.
“The NCDC remains committed to safeguarding public health through proactive measures and targeted interventions.”
He urged the public to adopt preventive measures, including maintaining clean environments, safely storing food, and avoiding contact with rodents. Early symptoms such as fever, headache, and vomiting should prompt immediate medical attention to improve survival rates.
He also urged healthcare workers to practice strict infection prevention protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and prompt reporting of suspected cases to local authorities.
Dr. Idris emphasised that reducing the Lassa fever burden requires collective action from individuals, healthcare providers, and government stakeholders. Public education campaigns and community-level interventions remain critical in curbing the disease’s spread.
