The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sprung into action, activating emergency operation centers in response to a concerning surge in Lassa fever cases within the country.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of the NCDC, disclosed that there has been a notable uptick in confirmed cases, fatalities, and geographical spread of the disease from 2023 to 2024. The latest situation report indicates a jump in confirmed cases from 29 in 2023 to 53 in 2024. This surge has widened the scope of impact, now covering 25 local government areas across nine states, compared to just 13 local government areas in six states the previous year.
Categorizing Lassa fever as “high-risk,” the NCDC is swiftly orchestrating a national response to mitigate the impact of this infectious disease. Following a risk assessment conducted by subject matter experts from relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and stakeholders, including major partners, the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group has been activated.
The risk assessment has flagged the country as being at “high risk” of increased Lassa fever transmission and impact due to the rising number of states reporting cases and high fatalities. The zones affected by Lassa fever have been proliferating across the nation, with a looming risk of international exposure.
Dr. Adetifa stressed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the agency, had made preparations for this Lassa fever season even before the activation of the Emergency Operations Center. The activation of the EOC will ensure a coordinated national response, particularly across affected states, aimed at minimizing suffering, reducing mortality, interrupting disease transmission, and addressing socioeconomic complications using a one-health approach.
