In light of the escalating Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has taken proactive measures by activating the national multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa Fever (LF-EOC). This critical move, orchestrated by the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (LF-TWG), follows a comprehensive risk assessment conducted by subject matter experts from various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.
The risk assessment revealed that the country faces a “High Risk” of increased Lassa fever transmission and impact due to several concerning factors:
- An increased number of states reporting cases.
- High case fatality observed in confirmed cases.
- Low index of suspicion among healthcare workers.
- Incidents of healthcare worker infections and fatalities.
- Ongoing attrition of essential healthcare services.
In the year 2023, a surge in cases was noted from week 49, accompanied by infections among healthcare workers over a three-week period. This upswing suggested an early onset of the high transmission season, typically occurring from January to May each year. Cumulatively, the reported figures for 2023 included 9,155 suspected cases, 1,270 confirmed cases, and 227 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9% across 28 states and 124 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The zones of impact of Lassa fever have been expanding, posing risks of international exposure.
As of January 7, 2024, a comparison with the same date in 2023 indicates the following changes:
- Total confirmed cases: 29 to 53
- Fatalities: 8 to 6
- Case fatality rate (CFR): 27.6% to 11.3%
- States affected: 6 to 9
- Local Government Areas affected: 13 to 27
States currently affected include Ondo (13), Edo (13), Bauchi (11), Benue (6), Taraba (6), and 1 each from Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Plateau States.
Preceding the LF-EOC activation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH & SW), through the NCDC, undertook various preparatory measures for the Lassa fever season, including issuing alert letters to states, conducting biweekly National LF-TWG meetings, providing capacity building for healthcare workers, and distributing medical supplies.
The LF-EOC activation will facilitate a national response, particularly across affected states, aiming to minimize suffering, reduce mortality, interrupt disease transmission, and address socio-economic complications associated with Lassa fever, utilizing a One Health approach.
This nationwide response necessitates collaboration between the government, the public, partners, and other stakeholders. While the NCDC leads the prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies, states are urged to develop and implement evidence-driven outbreak response plans.
The public is urged to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, as well as food hygiene, in the fight against Lassa fever. Vigilance is key, and early detection and prompt presentation at health facilities significantly enhance survival chances. The NCDC is committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and is actively working towards reducing the fatality rate to a single digit.
