The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public advisory on Lassa fever, highlighting its continued threat as a significant public health concern. Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC’s Director General, addressed newsmen on Monday in Abuja, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures amid a rise in cases during the peak transmission season.
Idris described Lassa fever as an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, endemic in Nigeria and transmitted primarily through contact with the urine, feces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents, especially the multimammate rat. “It can also spread through person-to-person contact with infected bodily fluids,” Idris stated.
He stressed the importance of early detection, noting that the disease often presents initial symptoms similar to malaria, such as fever, headache, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
“In severe cases, bleeding from body openings may occur, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival rates,” he said.
The advisory identified high-risk groups, including individuals living in rodent-infested areas, those consuming contaminated food, healthcare workers treating patients without protective equipment, and laboratory staff handling blood samples without precautions.
Idris outlined several preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread. These include keeping homes and surroundings clean to eliminate rodent breeding grounds, sealing holes and cracks to prevent rodent entry, storing food in tightly sealed containers, and avoiding the open drying of food items. He also recommended seeking medical attention for early symptoms rather than resorting to self-medication.
He emphasized regular hand hygiene, proper sanitation, and discouraging practices such as bush burning and deforestation, which drive rodents into human habitats.
Idris called on healthcare workers to maintain high vigilance, adhere strictly to infection prevention protocols, and promptly report suspected cases to facilitate swift public health responses.
He further urged the public to utilize the NCDC toll-free line (6232) or contact the State Ministry of Health to report cases. “The NCDC remains committed to reducing the impact of Lassa fever through coordinated efforts, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration,” Idris said.