Nigeria is grappling with a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases has surged to 214, with 39 reported deaths. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) raised concerns about the rapid spread of the disease, which has affected multiple states across the country.
The outbreak, which began earlier this year, continues to strain Nigeria’s healthcare system. Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with infected rodents or contaminated food, poses a significant public health challenge due to its high fatality rate and seasonal outbreaks.
The latest update from the NCDC, released on March 5, indicates that the disease has spread to 19 states, with the hardest-hit regions including Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi. Ondo alone accounts for nearly 30% of all confirmed cases, making it the epicenter of the outbreak.
Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC Director-General, confirmed that emergency response teams have been deployed to affected states. “We are intensifying surveillance, providing medical supplies, and strengthening laboratory testing to curb the outbreak,” he stated.
The government has also urged the public to adopt preventive measures, such as proper food storage, rodent control, and early medical intervention for suspected cases.
Lassa fever presents symptoms similar to other viral infections, including fever, headaches, muscle pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, it leads to internal bleeding, organ failure, and death. The virus is primarily spread through the urine or feces of infected rodents, but human-to-human transmission can occur in healthcare settings without proper infection control.
Medical experts warn that the disease is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, leading to delayed treatment and higher fatality rates. The current mortality rate in Nigeria’s outbreak stands at approximately 18%, reinforcing the need for early detection and medical intervention.
Despite government efforts, the outbreak poses significant challenges due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and public misconceptions about the disease. In some rural areas, patients delay seeking medical care, increasing the risk of wider transmission.
Additionally, overstretched hospitals and limited access to ribavirin, the primary antiviral treatment for Lassa fever, have complicated response efforts. Health workers on the front lines are at high risk of infection, prompting calls for better protective equipment and training.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have pledged support to Nigeria’s containment efforts. WHO has dispatched medical experts and resources to assist in case management and community sensitization.
Meanwhile, local health organizations are conducting awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on preventive measures. Residents are being advised to store food in rodent-proof containers, practice proper sanitation, and report symptoms early.
As Nigeria battles this deadly outbreak, health authorities stress the need for sustained vigilance and public cooperation. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the outbreak can be controlled or if additional interventions will be required.
