The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has initiated a comprehensive Incident Management System involving multiple partners and sectors to streamline response efforts through the Emergency Operations Centre. This decision, communicated via its official website, comes in response to the detection of 5,669 suspected cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 152 fatalities, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.3 percent.

Notably, 832 cases have been confirmed across 27 states and 126 Local Government Areas from January to April 14. Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with infected Mastomys rats' urine or faeces, prevalent in various parts of West Africa. Apart from Nigeria, the disease is endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The potential for person-to-person transmission and laboratory infections exists, particularly in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures. Timely diagnosis and treatment are paramount, given an overall case-fatality rate of one percent and approximately 15 percent for severe cases.

The public health agency's report for week 15 has shown a surge in new confirmed cases, with 152 deaths reported in 2024, surpassing the corresponding period in 2023. Notably, Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 65 percent of confirmed cases, with individuals aged 31 to 40 years being the most affected, and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.

Furthermore, the report underscores an escalation in suspected cases compared to the previous year and highlights 32 infections among healthcare workers. In response, the NCDC emphasizes preventive measures, including avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta, practicing proper personal hygiene, and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.

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