Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Health authorities in Nigeria have raised the alarm over a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, issuing urgent directives to healthcare workers nationwide as confirmed cases continue to rise and strain the health system. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Nigerian Medical Association jointly issued an emergency alert urging doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to heighten vigilance, strengthen infection prevention practices and respond swiftly to suspected cases.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents, especially the Mastomys rat. Human‑to‑human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention measures are inadequate. Early symptoms — including fever, headache, sore throat, nausea and general weakness — are often similar to other common diseases and can delay diagnosis, making prompt recognition and response by clinicians critical.
In their advisory, the NCDC and the NMA emphasised that clinicians across all regions of the country should maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, especially in patients presenting with persistent fever that does not respond to antimalarials or antibiotics, or when symptoms escalate to include vomiting, unexplained bleeding, facial swelling or neurological signs. The alert urged immediate isolation of suspected cases, early laboratory testing and initiation of appropriate treatment, including the use of antiviral medication where indicated.
The alert also highlighted the need for strict infection prevention and control practices in all clinical environments. Healthcare workers were instructed to consistently use personal protective equipment, observe safe injection practices, practice rigorous hand hygiene, and ensure proper waste management and environmental cleaning. Facilities were also encouraged to strengthen procedures for safe specimen collection and transport, minimise staff exposure when treating suspected or confirmed cases, and reinforce training for support staff, including cleaners and laboratory personnel.
Recent surveillance data showed a noticeable increase in confirmed cases and deaths compared with previous weeks, prompting concern among public health officials. Several states have reported sustained transmission, with clusters of cases putting pressure on designated treatment centres. In some hospitals, healthcare workers themselves have been infected, underscoring the risk to frontline providers when safety protocols are not strictly observed.
The outbreak has shown marked activity in multiple states across the country, with cases reported in both traditionally endemic regions and areas outside previous hotspots. In parts of the northeast and central regions, hospitals have had to manage significant numbers of suspected infections, while other states have reported isolated clusters that nonetheless require rapid response to prevent wider spread.
The increase in Lassa fever activity has also highlighted ongoing challenges in surveillance and health system capacity. Public health officials acknowledge that delayed presentation to health facilities, limited access to diagnostic testing in rural areas, transportation challenges for laboratory specimens and gaps in community awareness contribute to the difficulty in controlling the outbreak. Additionally, the costs associated with care can delay people from seeking help early, worsening outcomes.
Beyond clinical response, state governments and local health departments have intensified community engagement efforts. Residents in affected and neighbouring communities are being encouraged to maintain clean environments, secure food and water supplies against rodents, seal entry points in homes to deter rodent access, and promptly report symptoms consistent with Lassa fever to nearby health facilities. Public sensitisation campaigns are also underway to educate families about reducing rodent infestation in homes and marketplaces, as well as the importance of seeking early care.
The NCDC has tasked public health teams with ensuring laboratory networks have adequate supplies, trained personnel and consistent biosafety practices to handle increased testing demands. Rapid diagnosis not only improves clinical outcomes but also allows epidemiologists to better track the progress of the outbreak and target response efforts more effectively.
Healthcare experts have emphasised that early detection, rapid isolation and prompt treatment remain the cornerstones of effective management of Lassa fever. Timely administration of antiviral therapy, when appropriate, can improve survival rates, while strict infection control in health facilities protects both patients and staff.
The seasonal pattern of Lassa fever in Nigeria typically sees higher transmission during the dry months, especially between November and May, when rodent‑to‑human contact increases. However, health authorities caution that vigilance must continue year‑round due to the potential for cases to occur outside expected peaks, and because population movements and environmental factors can influence transmission patterns.
While the recent rise in cases has sparked concern, authorities also note that improved surveillance and reporting help ensure that outbreaks are detected earlier than in the past, giving health workers and communities a better chance to respond quickly. The coordinated alert from the NCDC and the NMA reflects an effort to mobilise the entire healthcare sector and community networks toward controlling the outbreak, protecting health workers, and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with Lassa fever.
Parents are also being advised to observe their children and household members for early symptoms and seek care immediately if signs of fever or unusual illness emerge. Traditional home remedies are discouraged because they can delay proper medical evaluation and treatment.
Overall, the government’s emergency alert is a call to action for the entire health system, urging clinicians, public health officials and communities to work collaboratively to prevent further spread of Lassa fever and to safeguard Nigerians from a disease that can be deadly but is manageable with early intervention.
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