The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has urged Nigerians to intensify preventive measures against Lassa fever ahead of the dry season, warning that cases typically increase between November and April.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at a national health security media briefing, stressing the need for early preparedness before the peak transmission period.
Idris said although Lassa fever occurs throughout the year, cases tend to increase during the dry season, making the period before the peak season critical for prevention and preparedness.
Lassa fever occurs throughout the year, but cases tend to increase during the dry season, particularly between November and April. We are not yet in that peak period, and that gives us an important opportunity to act now,” he said.
The NCDC said findings from its After Action Review of the last Lassa fever outbreak showed persistent gaps in early care-seeking, infection prevention and control, environmental sanitation, state-level preparedness and the functionality of health facilities.
According to the agency, delays in seeking appropriate medical care, self-treatment and visits to multiple health facilities before Lassa fever was suspected contributed to challenges in managing cases.
It also identified infections among healthcare workers, particularly when health facilities were under pressure, as well as environmental and household risks associated with poor sanitation, unsafe food storage and exposure to rodents.
Idris said the findings underscored the need to strengthen the entire response chain, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, referral and treatment.
He disclosed that the NCDC had developed an Accelerated Readiness Plan to guide preparedness activities ahead of the peak Lassa fever season.
“Our approach during this period will be firmly grounded in One Health. Lassa fever cannot be prevented and controlled by the health sector acting alone. Health, Environment, Agriculture, Livestock, Local Governments and communities have distinct but complementary responsibilities,” he said.
According to him, the plan will focus on measures to be implemented between now and the peak season, with additional attention and resources directed to areas where available data indicate that the burden and risk are highest.
Under the plan, the agency said priority would be given to early detection and reporting of suspected cases, reducing exposure to rodents, promoting prompt care-seeking and ensuring healthcare workers can recognise, report and appropriately refer suspected cases.
It added that efforts would be made to ensure prompt transportation and testing of samples, as well as timely communication of results to healthcare providers.
The NCDC urged households to store food items such as rice, garri, beans and maize in tightly covered containers and avoid leaving food exposed to rodents.
It also advised Nigerians to seal openings through which rodents could enter homes, reduce clutter that provides hiding places for rodents and maintain clean surroundings through proper waste disposal.
The agency cautioned against handling rodents with bare hands or unnecessary contact with their urine, faeces and other body fluids.
It further advised people who develop fever or other symptoms, particularly those living in or travelling to areas where Lassa fever is endemic, to seek medical attention promptly.
“If you have treated what you believe to be malaria and your symptoms persist, please do not continue treating yourself at home. Seek appropriate medical attention,” the agency advised.
The NCDC also called on state and local governments, particularly those with recurrent Lassa fever transmission, to strengthen environmental sanitation, waste management, surveillance, laboratory referral systems and the readiness of designated treatment centres.
It urged health authorities to investigate every Lassa fever infection involving a healthcare worker, appropriately follow up exposed workers and promptly address identified gaps.
The agency urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant, saying: “THINK LASSA. PROTECT. REPORT. REFER.”
