Nigeria is battling a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, with 146 deaths and hundreds of confirmed cases recorded within the first 11 weeks of the year, according to health authorities.
Data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) indicate that 582 confirmed cases and 3,222 suspected cases have been reported nationwide, highlighting the continued spread of the disease across multiple states.
The outbreak has also taken a significant toll on healthcare workers, raising concerns about safety in medical facilities. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) disclosed that 25 of its members have contracted Lassa fever, including one fatality, while the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) confirmed that at least 37 health workers have been infected, with three doctors losing their lives.
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of infections among healthcare workers,This trend underscores significant gaps in infection prevention and control, particularly regarding the availability and proper use of personal protective equipment,” a NARD official said.
Echoing similar concerns, an NMA “The safety of healthcare workers must remain a top priority. No doctor or health worker should be exposed to preventable risks in the course of their duties,” representative stated.
State-by-state data show that Taraba State has recorded the highest number of deaths at 40, followed by Ondo State with 31 and Bauchi State with 25. Plateau and Benue states have each reported 11 deaths, while Edo State recorded nine and Nasarawa State three.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily transmitted through contact with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, though human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in healthcare environments with inadequate infection control practices. Symptoms range from mild fever and weakness to severe complications such as bleeding, facial swelling, and shock.
Medical experts have warned that insufficient infection control measures, especially inconsistent access to PPE, are contributing to the rising number of infections among frontline workers.
“Strengthening infection control protocols across all health facilities is critical to containing the outbreak,” a public health expert noted.
As the outbreak continues to spread, authorities are under increasing pressure to reinforce surveillance, improve hospital safety standards, and intensify public awareness campaigns.
“A coordinated national response is essential at this stage, to prevent further loss of life and protect both citizens and frontline health workers,” an NMA official added.