Lassa fever is endemic to Nigeria and continues to impact thousands each year, with the dry season (December to April) marking the highest transmission rates. In 2024, the situation has been particularly dire, with 1,059 confirmed cases reported across 28 states, leading to 175 fatalities (a case fatality rate of 16.6%). Disturbingly, 35 healthcare workers have contracted the virus during this outbreak, highlighting the critical need for effective infection prevention strategies.
The primary mode of transmission of the Lassa virus to humans is through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. Additionally, secondary transmission can occur through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, which poses significant risks to healthcare and laboratory personnel who may not have sufficient protective measures in place.
Enhancing Preparedness and Response Initiatives
As the dry season reaches its peak, the World Health Organization (WHO) is amplifying its support to the Nigerian government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and state authorities to bolster preparedness and response efforts.
Reiterating WHO’s dedication to combating Lassa fever, Dr. Ann Fortin, WHO Team Lead for Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster, stated: “With funding from the Government of Canada (through the CanGiVE Project), WHO is facilitating the enhancement of early detection and confirmation of suspected cases, ensuring optimal supportive care, and improving infection prevention and control measures in designated health facilities across affected states.”
WHO’s technical support emphasizes coordinated responses, enhanced surveillance, effective health information management, and risk communication and community engagement. Advocacy initiatives are also in progress to unify key stakeholders for a more cohesive and effective response.
Targeted Interventions in High-Burden States
In Benue State, which has been significantly affected with 64 confirmed cases and 11 fatalities in 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated targeted interventions aimed at enhancing local capabilities. These initiatives encompass:
- Training primary healthcare personnel, rapid response teams, community volunteers, and surveillance focal points in areas of high risk.
- Encouraging early disease detection and fostering community-driven responses.
- Increasing awareness regarding behavioral modifications, such as better waste management and rodent control.
Dr. Paul M. Asema, State Epidemiologist for the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed gratitude for WHO’s assistance, stating, “The state is profoundly thankful for WHO’s efforts in safeguarding the health of our population, particularly during these urgent outbreaks. A One Health approach is essential for bolstering our response and advancing towards health equity for all.”
Broader Support Across Priority States
Beyond Benue, WHO is extending vital support to Edo, Ondo, Taraba, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states, concentrating on:
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals.
- Enhancing diagnostic and laboratory procedures, including efficient sample collection.
- Improving case management and standardizing infection prevention protocols.
- Disseminating health information to communities, successfully reaching over 35,000 individuals with crucial insights on Lassa fever prevention and control.
Empowering Communities: A Story of Hope
In the Ortese Camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, WHO’s community engagement initiatives have been instrumental in supporting residents like Mrs. Nyioun Adaga. “When I learned that a neighbor in the camp had Lassa fever, I was filled with fear,” Mrs. Adaga recalls. “However, the healthcare team educated us on preventive measures, which empowered me to safeguard myself and my family. I am thankful for their support.”
Aligned with National and Global Health Objectives
The interventions of WHO are in accordance with its Country Cooperation Strategy for 2023–2027, the 13th General Programme of Work (GPW13), and essential frameworks established by the Federal Government, such as the National Health Act, the National Action Plan for Health Security, and the Health Sector Renewal Initiative.
Through the utilization of multi-sectoral strategies, WHO and its collaborators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone is included in the battle against Lassa fever and other infectious diseases in Nigeria.