Lassa Fever Causes Fatalities

All stakeholders should do more to stem the scourge

The death toll from the outbreak of Lassa fever in the country rose to 191 last week, with health authorities warning of increasing infections across several states. According to the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), 23 states across 106 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case this year. The data also revealed that the 21–30 age group remains the most affected, with cases spanning ages from one to 90 years and a median age of 30. “We are seeing late presentation of cases in many communities, and this continues to drive preventable deaths,” said the NCDC. “The high fatality rate is a clear signal that people are arriving at treatment centres too late.”

It is egregious that Nigerians die needlessly from a preventable disease like Lassa fever, and the latest figures suggest that any preventive strategies in place are not working. “Early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to survival,” the NCDC said in explaining the spike in fatality rates. To rid the nation of a disease that claims the lives of dozens of citizens annually, health authorities need to intensify their efforts.

Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness caused by a virus with an incubation period of six to 21 days. The onset of the disease is usually gradual, beginning with fever and general weakness, followed by headache, sore throat, chest pain, nausea, and bleeding from the mouth. Because the symptoms are varied and non‑specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. For this reason, the government at all levels should emphasize routine infection prevention and control measures. Healthcare workers should also be advised to avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids when caring for sick patients.

Unfortunately, Lassa fever has been a serious health challenge in Nigeria since it was first diagnosed in Lassa (the village for which it was named) in Borno State in 1969. Despite past efforts to contain the disease, the country has experienced frequent outbreaks in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this “could be attributed to reduced response capacity in surveillance and laboratory testing.”

Experts advise that people ensure their food—cooked or uncooked—is properly covered, and that regular handwashing is always practiced. The bush around the home should be cleared regularly, and windows and doors should be closed, especially at night. The public should also be adequately informed about the dangers posed by rats in their homes. With the resources now available, authorities in the 36 states and 774 local government areas should be able to mount a comprehensive campaign against the disease.

We hope the authorities will take both preventive and long‑term measures so that we do not continue to lose our citizens to a virus that has, for decades, been an emblem of shame.