Lassa Fever Outbreak: Nigeria Records 2,621 Cases and 84 Deaths
Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, disclosed these statistics during a press briefing in Abuja. He stated that the cases were spread across 84 Local Government Areas in 23 states. Additionally, he highlighted the recent notification from the Kaduna State Ministry of Health regarding suspected viral hemorrhagic fever-related deaths at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Further investigation revealed that four out of six blood samples from suspected cases sent to the Bayero University Teaching Hospital in Kano tested positive for Lassa fever. Subsequently, twenty-five close contacts of these cases are under follow-up and receiving prophylactic medicine. The affected states
have activated their Incident Management Systems to intensify response efforts, including risk communication and community engagement.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has distributed medical supplies to Lassa fever treatment centers nationwide. Dr. Idris emphasized preventive measures such as maintaining clean environments, proper waste disposal, and storing food in sealed containers to deter rodents. He advised seeking medical attention promptly for suspected cases and cautioned against self-medication.
Healthcare workers were urged to adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols. The NCDC continues to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to contain the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on public health.
