Nigerian health authorities and medical association call on physicians to increase awareness and precautions as Lassa fever cases rise

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Nigerian Medical Association have called upon doctors and healthcare professionals nationwide to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures, given the ongoing transmission of Lassa fever, as stated by Dr Jide Idris, Director General, NCDC.

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According to an advisory published on the NCDC website on Tuesday, signed by Dr Jide Idris, Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season between November and April.

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Recent surveillance data indicates continued transmission of the disease across several states, with a concerning number of infections recorded among healthcare workers, according to the NCDC.

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A significant proportion of infected healthcare workers this season were doctors and nurses, highlighting the risks faced by frontline medical personnel who are often the first point of contact for patients with undiagnosed febrile illnesses.

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The advisory emphasized that protecting healthcare workers and preventing healthcare-associated transmission must remain a national priority, as stated in the advisory.

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The NCDC urged clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever in patients presenting with fever and related symptoms, particularly in endemic and high-burden states.

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Doctors are advised to consider Lassa fever in cases involving persistent fever that does not respond to malaria treatment, as well as symptoms such as headache, sore throat, malaise, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding or facial swelling.

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Early recognition, prompt isolation of suspected cases, and immediate notification of health authorities remain essential to preventing the spread of the disease within healthcare facilities, according to the agency.

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Particular attention should be given to high-risk areas in hospitals, such as outpatient departments, emergency units, and obstetrics and gynaecology wards, where many patients first presented for treatment.

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Delayed recognition of suspected cases in these clinical areas has been identified as a key factor contributing to healthcare workers’ exposure, according to the advisory.

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The NCDC also emphasized strict compliance with infection prevention and control measures during all patient interactions, including regular hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of clinical environments.

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Healthcare facility managers are urged to ensure consistent availability of infection prevention supplies such as gloves, masks, gowns, disinfectants, and hand hygiene materials.

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Healthcare workers who developed symptoms consistent with Lassa fever are advised to promptly report to designated health authorities and seek medical evaluation, according to the NCDC.

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The agency warned against self-medication or delaying treatment, noting that recent analyses showed that delays in seeking care among infected healthcare workers had contributed to severe outcomes.

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The advisory further urged health facilities to strengthen preparedness by ensuring regular training of staff on Lassa fever recognition and infection prevention practices.

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Hospitals are urged to establish clear triage systems for suspected cases, maintain functional isolation areas, and ensure that all categories of healthcare workers are trained in infection prevention protocols.

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According to the NCDC, doctors play a crucial leadership role in promoting infection prevention practices within health facilities and strengthening national preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks.

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Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus and is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodents, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

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Nigeria records cases of the disease annually, particularly during the dry season when human exposure to infected rodents tends to increase, and health authorities said early detection, prompt treatment, and strict infection control measures remain critical to reducing mortality and preventing outbreaks.