The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released a detailed public advisory on Lassa fever, emphasising its ongoing threat to public health.
Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC Director General, highlighted the alarming trend during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, urging Nigerians to take preventive measures as cases surge during the peak transmission season. He explained that Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, is endemic in Nigeria and spreads through contact with the urine, feces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents, particularly the multimammate rat.
“It can also spread through person-to-person contact with infected bodily fluids.”
He emphasised the importance of early detection, noting that the disease initially presented symptoms similar to malaria, including fever, headache, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
“In severe cases, bleeding from body openings may occur, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival rates.
“The advisory highlighted the groups most at risk, including individuals living in rodent-infested areas, those consuming contaminated food, healthcare workers providing care without proper protective equipment, and laboratory staff handling blood samples without precautions.”
Dr. Idris outlined key steps to prevent the spread of Lassa fever, urging Nigerians to keep their homes and surroundings clean to eliminate rodent breeding grounds, seal cracks and holes to block rodent entry, and store food securely in tightly sealed containers.
He stressed the need to avoid open-air drying of food and to seek medical attention for early symptoms instead of self-medicating. Regular handwashing, proper sanitation, and discouraging bush burning and deforestation—which drive rodents into human spaces—were also highlighted as critical preventive measures.
Idris called on healthcare workers to stay vigilant, follow infection prevention protocols, and report suspected cases promptly to enable swift public health responses. He encouraged the public to contact the NCDC’s toll-free line (6232) or notify the State Ministry of Health for assistance or case reporting.
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