Lassa fever has become one of the most dangerous health challenges facing Nigeria in recent years. The most recent report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed a disturbing statistic, confirming deaths of 70 people in just one month. This is a call to action for the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health to address this growing health crisis, which threatens the well-being of millions of Nigerians.

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic fever, is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rodents. It can also spread through person-to-person transmission, particularly in healthcare settings. Despite its dangerous nature, the disease is largely preventable and treatable with prompt medical intervention. Unfortunately, many Nigerians are still unaware of how to protect themselves, and there remains a significant gap in both public education and healthcare infrastructure.

The recent fatalities serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent intervention. The government’s response to the Lassa fever outbreak has been reactive rather than proactive, with too little emphasis on prevention and early detection. Over the past few years, Lassa fever outbreaks have become more frequent, and the situation seems to be worsening. A greater focus must be placed on educating the public about how to reduce the risk of infection, improving early detection capabilities, and ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the cases that inevitably arise.

First and foremost, public education is crucial in combating Lassa fever. Many Nigerians live in close proximity to rodents, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Public awareness campaigns must emphasize simple but effective preventive measures. These include keeping food in rodent-proof containers, ensuring proper sanitation, and maintaining good hygiene practices in the home and workplace. Communities should be educated about the risks of handling rodents or their droppings and be encouraged to report any rodent infestations to local health authorities.

Moreover, the federal government must prioritise early detection and diagnosis of Lassa fever. The symptoms of the disease—fever, fatigue, and bleeding—can often be confused with those of other febrile illnesses like malaria and typhoid. This poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers who may misdiagnose the condition, leading to delays in treatment and increased mortality rates. Adequate training for healthcare professionals on recognizing Lassa fever and providing timely treatment is essential. Testing facilities for Lassa fever should be expanded to ensure that healthcare centers, even in remote areas, have access to diagnostic tools.

While awareness and early detection are crucial, the quality of healthcare infrastructure must also be addressed. Many hospitals and clinics across the country are ill-equipped to manage infectious diseases like Lassa fever. Inadequate facilities, a shortage of protective equipment, and a lack of specialized medical personnel have all contributed to the spread of the disease within healthcare settings. It is imperative that the government invests in upgrading healthcare facilities, ensuring they have the necessary resources to treat viral hemorrhagic fevers effectively. This includes providing health workers with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and training them on infection prevention and control practices.

Another vital aspect of the government’s approach to tackling Lassa fever is the improvement of rodent control programs. In many regions of Nigeria, rodent infestations are common, and the government must work with local communities to implement effective control measures. This could involve distributing rodent-proof containers, promoting the safe disposal of waste, and introducing pest control initiatives in affected areas. Although these measures require resources, they are necessary to reduce the human-rodent contact that facilitates the transmission of the virus.

Finally, it is essential that the government partners with international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), to coordinate research on Lassa fever. Though there is ongoing research into vaccines and treatment methods, more needs to be done to find long-term solutions to the disease. By collaborating with global health agencies, Nigeria can access critical funding and expertise to enhance its response to the outbreak.

Bassey, a public affairs analyst wrote from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State