Understanding Nigeria’s Current Lassa Fever Outbreak and Safety Measures

Nigeria is experiencing a severe Lassa fever outbreak, reporting 100 deaths in early 2025. The disease, identified in 1969, is transmitted through contact with contaminated food or infected rodents. With increasing cases due to poor awareness and late reporting, experts in public health call for heightened awareness and intervention, while the NCDC promotes cleanliness and food safety to mitigate risks.

Nigeria is currently facing a significant outbreak of Lassa fever, which has resulted in 100 fatalities in the first quarter of 2025. As reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there have been 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases across 13 states as of March 2. The most affected states include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba, with a fatality rate of 18.7%, tragically including the death of a 31-year-old doctor.

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, was first identified in 1969 in Borno, Nigeria. The virus is transmitted through contact with the Natal multimammate mouse, found in rural areas with poor sanitation. Humans typically contract Lassa fever by touching contaminated food or household items or through direct contact with infected rodents. Symptoms commence with fever and malaise, often escalating to headaches, sore throat, and muscle pain. Approximately 80% of cases are mild, but the disease can be severe, especially for pregnant women, with high mortality rates.

Nigeria has faced annual outbreaks of Lassa fever since 2015, primarily due to poor awareness, delayed case reporting, and insufficient intervention measures, as highlighted by NCDC director general Jide Idris. The difficulty in diagnosing Lassa fever arises from its symptoms overlapping with those of malaria and typhoid, which necessitates the RT-PCR test for confirmation. Nigeria has improved its testing capacity, increasing from three laboratories in 2017 to seven currently.

The peak transmission of Lassa fever generally occurs between October and May during the dry season, a period marked by increased human exposure to rodents. Experts indicate that climate change may extend this risk period. Dr. Yetunde Abioye from the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre has observed a geographic expansion of the disease, attributed to erratic rainfall patterns, enhanced surveillance, and greater awareness. Nonetheless, gaps in environmental sanitation and food handling persist.

Virologist Oyewale Tomori notes that while Lassa fever is influenced by multiple factors, response efforts remain outdated. Despite increasing case reports, there has been inadequate attention to the social, cultural, and economic factors that facilitate disease persistence. He advocates for a comprehensive one-health approach to address Lassa fever effectively.

In addressing the challenges posed by Lassa fever, experts emphasize the need for heightened public awareness regarding transmission and symptoms, urging for its designation as a health emergency. Dr. Rotimi Adesanya advocates for targeted health education and community involvement, stressing the importance of access to the antiviral drug Ribavirin for effective treatment, although a vaccine is not yet available.

To mitigate the risks associated with Lassa fever, the NCDC has implemented a national incident management system and is collaborating with various agencies to manage the outbreak. Preventive measures advised by the agency include maintaining clean surroundings, storing food in sealed containers, sealing potential entry points for rodents, and ensuring proper waste disposal to prevent rodent infestations.

In summary, Nigeria’s ongoing Lassa fever outbreak continues to pose a significant public health threat, exacerbated by challenges in awareness, diagnosis, and intervention. Experts call for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the disease, emphasizing the importance of community awareness, environmental sanitation, and effective healthcare measures. Preventive strategies implemented by the NCDC aim to curb the spread, but comprehensive efforts and public cooperation are essential to mitigate the impact of this persistent health issue.

Original Source: africacheck.org