Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the country is experiencing a surge in Lassa fever
cases.
Gatekeepers News reports that NCDC disclosed that Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo states have recorded higher numbers of cases since November 2024.
Director-General of the centre, Dr. Jide Idris announced this during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
He noted that the agency had issued a comprehensive public advisory on Lassa fever and urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures as cases continue to rise during the peak transmission season.
Idris warned that the peak dry season, which lasts until April, could exacerbate the outbreak if preventive measures were not strictly adhered to.
The DG urged people to frequently wash their hands with soap and water, store food items in rodent-proof containers, and dispose of their waste properly to deter rodents.
He further stressed the need for increased public awareness and early intervention, which he described as keys to curbing an outbreak.
Idris said the centre intensified surveillance and response activities in affected states and advised Nigerians to report suspected cases to nearest health facility and ensure that proper hygiene practices are observed.
He notes that late reporting of cases had been a major source of concern which hindered effective containment.
Also, Dr Tunde Oladipo, a public health expert noted that Lassa fever outbreak is a serious but preventable health crisis.
Oladipo added, “Strict hygiene practices, proper food storage and rodent control are crucial to reducing transmission. Individuals should avoid unprotected contact with sick persons or their fluids.”
