Lassa fever
NCDC Activates Emergency Centres Amid Rising Lassa Fever Cases
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 9,492 suspected cases, with 190 deaths recorded in 2024.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, highlighted the alarming rise in cases and fatalities over the past four weeks, describing the situation as severe.
In response, the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for Lassa fever and classified the risk as high.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily spread through contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected multimammate rats, the natural reservoirs of the virus. Other rodents can also serve as carriers.
Dr. Idris noted that Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with peak transmission typically occurring during the dry season from October to May due to increased human exposure to rodents.
So far this year, six states account for 89% of confirmed cases: Ondo (29.7%), Edo (22.7%), Bauchi (17.9%), Taraba (8.8%), Benue (5.6%), and Ebonyi (4%). Ten local government areas (LGAs), including Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, and Kirfi, account for nearly 59% of cases.
The case fatality rate remains high at over 13%, with an increase in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023. Dr. Idris attributed this rise to enhanced surveillance efforts. Most cases originate from endemic states like Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Enugu, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
In addressing the outbreak, Dr. Idris outlined the proactive measures taken by the NCDC. These include:
Conducting a risk assessment that categorized the outbreak as high-risk and recommended a Response Level Two activation.
Distributing essential medical supplies, infection prevention materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools nationwide.
Expanding Lassa fever testing laboratories from nine to 13, with plans for further upgrades.
Conducting rodent control exercises in high-burden states such as Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, and Benue.
Dr. Idris urged the public to adopt preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean, safely storing food, avoiding bush burning and deforestation, and maintaining good personal hygiene. Healthcare workers were advised to practice standard infection prevention protocols, maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, and promptly report suspected cases for diagnosis and public health actions.
He reaffirmed the NCDC’s commitment to reducing cases and fatalities through a coordinated response, collaboration with stakeholders, and public health education. “By adhering to these strategies, we can mitigate the impact of Lassa fever and protect communities across the country,” he said.