The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of the 9,492 suspected cases and 190 deaths so far in 2024.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed that “There has been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last four weeks, signaling the outbreak’s severity”.
He said the NCDC had activated the Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa fever, and the risk assessment categorised it high.
Idris said the agency continued to address the current Lassa Fever outbreak during this peak season.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, and the natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat).
Other rodents can also act as carriers of the virus.
The virus spreads through direct contact with droppings from the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rats, among others.
Idris said, “Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a significant public health risk across all states.
The disease occurs throughout the year, with peak transmission typically recorded between October and May. Outbreaks typically occur during the dry season, when human exposure to rodents is highest.
“Cumulatively this year, we have recorded 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed with 190 deaths. Six states make up 89 per cent of the confirmed cases, namely: Ondo (29.7 per cent), Edo (22.7 per cent), Bauchi (17.9 per cent), Taraba (8.8 per cent), Benue (5.6 per cent), and Ebonyi (four per cent). 10 LGAs (Owo, Etsako West, Esan West, Kirfi, Ardo-Kola, Toro, Ose, Akure South, Jalingo and Idah) accounted for almost 59 per cent of the confirmed cases.
“There has been an alarming increase in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the last four weeks, signaling the outbreak’s severity”, he noted.
He stated that the case fatality rate had consistently remained high at over 13 per cent, and there was a rise in the number of suspected cases compared to a similar timeline in 2023.
Idris said it could be attributed to increased and enhanced surveillance.
He said most cases continue to emerge from endemic areas, like Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba Ebonyi and Enugu, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these states.
“These trends, therefore, demand a coordinated effort to strengthen our response and protect our vulnerable populations. Our goal is to reduce the number of cases and importantly, deaths.
“In addressing this situation, it is important to highlight the proactive measures taken by the NCDC so far.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to preparedness, coordination, and response at all levels.
We conducted a dynamic risk assessment to determine the appropriate emergency activation level. The risk has been categorised as High and Response Level Two advised, and efforts to be tailored specifically to the states currently experiencing increased case burden.
“The EOC was activated to ensure seamless coordination of Lassa fever control and management activities using a One Health approach”, he said.
He highlighted that in preparation for the outbreak season, critical medical supplies, infection prevention and control materials, and laboratory diagnostic tools and materials had been distributed to various states, nationwide.
He added that Lassa Fever testing laboratories had also been expanded from about nine to 13, and more would still be upgraded.
According to him, rodent control exercises have been conducted in high-burden states like Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, and Benue, targeting communities with high case counts by ministries, departments, and agencies.
The NCDC boss advised the public to keep their environment clean, store foods safely, avoid drying food stuff outside on the ground or roadside, discourage bush burning and deforestation, and practice good and personal hygiene.
He also advised healthcare workers to always practise standard infection prevention and control practices.
“Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, i.e., be vigilant and consider a diagnosis of Lassa fever when seeing patients presenting with febrile illness.
“Healthcare providers should report all suspected cases of Lassa fever to their local government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers to ensure prompt diagnosis, referral, and early commencement of public health actions.
“The NCDC remains committed to protecting public health through proactive measures, coordinated responses, and collaboration with stakeholders.
“By implementing these strategies and adhering to public health advisories, we can reduce the impact of Lassa Fever and safeguard communities nationwide”, he added.
