Nigeria issues Lassa fever advisory
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued an advisory about Lassa fever today necessitated by the recent confirmed case with international travel to the UK.
Cases are recorded all year round with peak transmission periods within October to May every year. Cumulatively, as at Epi-week 9 (24th February to 2nd March 2025), 2728 suspected cases; 535 confirmed cases and unfortunately, 98 deaths have been recorded across 14 states in Nigeria (Case Fatality Rate 18.3%). Five (5) states account for 91% of confirmed cases: Ondo: 31%, Bauchi: 24%, Edo: 17%, Taraba: 16% and Ebonyi: 3%. Ten (10) LGAs make up 68% of confirmed cases, namely Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro and Jalingo.
On March 5, 2025, the NCDC was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health, in a 31-yr-old physician managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK).
The patient departed Nigeria February 19, 2025 and returned February 27. Samples were taken late the next day on a suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 1. The laboratory investigation returned a result was Lassa Fever positive on PCR on Tuesday March 4. The patient was said to have visited his fiancée in Edo state, as well as family and friends before traveling.
To enhance state and international level coordination of all control and management efforts, the following have been done and/or on-going:
• Ondo State Ministry of Health has bolstered control and management efforts through contact tracing and line listing of contacts of the confirmed case.
• All necessary in-country structures have been mobilized to ensure all possible contacts are traced and monitored.
• Port Health Services involvement in contact tracing and line listing of in-flight contacts to bolster surveillance efforts at the points of entry.
• Information shared with all relevant authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005), and contact tracing efforts also ongoing in the UK
Lassa fever initially presents like other common illnesses accompanied by a fever, such as malaria. Other symptoms include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings. Early presentations to ensure diagnosis and treatment of the diseases can greatly increase the chances of patient survival. Early reporting of symptoms helps ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving the chances of patient survival.
Lassa fever with Dr Judy Stone
Nigerian health officials advise the public:
Keep Your Environment Rodent-Free
• Regularly clean your homes, markets, and surroundings to eliminate conditions that encourage rat infestation or reduce breeding grounds for rats
• Store food items such as rice, garri, beans, and maize in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
• Block all holes in your house, including walls, floors, and roofs, to prevent rats and other rodents from entering homes.
• Cover your dustbins and properly dispose of refuse or waste to limit rodent access.
• Safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc., in tightly sealed or well-covered containers and avoid open drying of food stuff outside or on roadsides, where it is at risk of contamination
• Properly process or prepare rats (bushmeat) before consumption
• Discourage bush burning and Deforestation as these can destroy the homes and food sources of rodents, driving them to migrate from the bushes to human residences to find food.
• Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other appropriate and safe means.
Maintain Personal Hygiene & Safe Food Practices
• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water, especially after handling food or waste or using hand sanitizers when necessary
• Avoid overcrowded living areas as overcrowding leads to poor sanitation
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids or secretions from infected persons.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
• Avoid self-medication and seek early medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, body weakness, sore throat, or bleeding.