NCDC, NMA Urge Doctors to Heighten Vigilance Amid Lassa Fever Transmission

By Abah Margaret

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have called on doctors and healthcare professionals across the country to heighten vigilance and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures amid the ongoing transmission of Lassa fever.

In an advisory published on Tuesday on the NCDC website and signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency warned that Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season between November and April.

According to the NCDC, recent surveillance data indicate continued transmission of the disease across several states, with a worrying number of infections recorded among healthcare workers.

The agency noted that 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.

“Protecting healthcare workers and preventing healthcare-associated transmission must remain a national priority,” the advisory stated.

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.

Doctors were 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.

The agency stressed that early recognition, prompt isolation of suspected cases, and immediate notification of health authorities remain essential in preventing the spread of the disease within healthcare facilities.

Particular attention, the advisory said, should be given to high-risk areas within hospitals, including outpatient departments, emergency units, and obstetrics and gynaecology wards, where many patients first seek medical care.

It added that delayed recognition of suspected cases in these clinical areas has been identified as a major factor contributing to healthcare workers’ exposure.

The NCDC also emphasised strict compliance with infection prevention and control measures during all patient interactions.

“These measures include regular hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, safe disposal of sharps and contaminated materials, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of clinical environments,” the advisory stated.

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

The agency further advised healthcare workers who develop symptoms consistent with Lassa fever to promptly report to designated health authorities and seek medical evaluation.

It warned against self-medication or delaying treatment, noting that recent analyses show delays in seeking care among infected healthcare workers have contributed to severe outcomes.

Health facilities were also urged to strengthen preparedness by organising regular training for staff on Lassa fever recognition and infection prevention practices.

Hospitals were advised to establish clear triage systems for suspected cases, maintain functional isolation areas, and ensure that all categories of healthcare workers — including cleaners, laboratory personnel, and administrative staff — are trained in infection prevention protocols.

The NCDC noted that doctors play a crucial leadership role in promoting infection prevention practices within health facilities and strengthening national preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks.

Reports indicate that 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.

Nigeria records cases of the disease annually, particularly during the dry season when human exposure to infected rodents increases.

Health authorities say early detection, prompt treatment, and strict infection control measures remain critical to reducing mortality and preventing outbreaks.