The recent death of a medical doctor in Benue State from complications linked to Lassa fever has once again drawn attention to Nigeria’s long-running struggle with a preventable but deadly disease.
According to the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, the deceased medical practitioner, who worked with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria, had been battling the illness for more than two weeks before his condition worsened and he eventually died.
Health authorities say the incident reflects a broader and troubling trend, as Lassa fever continues to claim lives across multiple states each year despite ongoing control efforts.
Over 200 deaths recorded amid rising infections
Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) shows that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) from the latest outbreak has climbed to over 200 deaths. Officials have also warned of increasing infections in several states, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current containment strategies.
While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased doctor, public health observers note that the repeated loss of lives to Lassa fever underscores persistent weaknesses in surveillance, prevention, and early treatment systems.
A disease known for decades, yet still widespread
Lassa fever has been a known public health challenge in Nigeria since it was first identified in 1969 in Lassa village in present-day Borno State. Despite decades of awareness, the disease remains endemic, particularly in parts of West Africa.
Typical symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, back pain, cough, abdominal pain, and general body weakness, usually appearing about three weeks after exposure.
The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, or through bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously noted that recurring outbreaks may be linked to “reduced response capacity in surveillance and laboratory testing,” a concern that continues to affect timely detection and response.
Calls for stronger prevention and infection control
Public health experts stress that early detection and prompt treatment remain the most effective ways to reduce deaths. However, they argue that long-term containment requires stronger prevention strategies at both individual and institutional levels.
Healthcare workers are being urged to strictly observe infection prevention protocols, especially when handling suspected cases, to reduce occupational exposure.
At the community level, authorities continue to recommend simple but critical measures such as proper food storage, regular handwashing, and maintaining clean surroundings. Residents are also advised to clear bushes around homes and ensure that living spaces are secured at night to reduce contact with rodents, which are the primary carriers of the virus.
Government urged to strengthen awareness and response systems
With significant resources available at federal, state, and local government levels, health advocates argue that more coordinated public awareness campaigns are needed to address the disease effectively. They emphasize that education about rodent control and hygiene practices should be consistent, widespread, and accessible to rural and urban populations alike.
The disease is also endemic in several neighbouring countries, making cross-border cooperation and regional surveillance increasingly important.
A recurring challenge demanding sustained action
Observers warn that the continued recurrence of Lassa fever outbreaks reflects the need for more than emergency responses. They call for sustained investment in public health infrastructure, stronger surveillance systems, and community engagement strategies capable of reducing transmission at the source.
Ultimately, stakeholders agree that preventing further loss of life will require a concerted effort from government agencies, health institutions, and the public.
As one public health sentiment in the report puts it, “We need concerted efforts from all stakeholders, but more especially the government.”