The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified its Lassa fever response following confirmation of infections among frontline healthcare workers during the current peak transmission season.
The agency emphasized that strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures remains the most effective defense against hospital-acquired transmission.
Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, issued the advisory on Monday in Abuja amid a nationwide rise in cases.
He confirmed that 15 healthcare workers had contracted Lassa fever, with two deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7.
Dr Idris noted that these infections highlight persistent gaps in clinical vigilance and infection control practices in some health facilities.
“Strict adherence to IPC measures, early detection, and coordinated state-level action will save lives and prevent further transmission,” he stated.
He described the loss of medical personnel as deeply concerning, stressing that protecting healthcare workers is essential to maintaining outbreak response capacity.
The affected states include Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue, with several local government areas identified as hotspots.
Investigations into confirmed cases revealed lapses in infection prevention, particularly in outpatient departments and general wards.
Many diagnosed febrile patients initially present at these units, significantly increasing exposure risks for unsuspecting staff.
Dr Idris pointed out that some personnel wrongly assume only designated isolation units pose a serious threat. This misconception lowers clinical suspicion in routine settings and contributes to avoidable exposures.
The advisory identified low index of suspicion, irregular PPE supply, and improper use of protective equipment as leading causes of infections among healthcare workers.
It further warned that non-clinical staff—including cleaners and administrative officers—face similar risks when not adequately trained.
“Recent investigations show an average six-day delay between symptom onset and care-seeking among affected healthcare workers,” Dr Idris said.
He attributed delayed reporting to stigma, fear of isolation, and widespread self-medication.
Late presentation, he explained, significantly increases the risk of severe complications and death.
Dr Idris reiterated that standard precautions must be applied to every patient, regardless of diagnosis or perceived risk.
He urged rigorous hand hygiene before and after patient contact, safe specimen handling, and consistent environmental disinfection.
“Healthcare workers are advised to wash their hands with soap and running water before and after patient contact,” he emphasized, adding that alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used when hands are not visibly soiled.
Health facilities were directed to ensure uninterrupted supplies of gloves, masks, respirators, gowns, and disinfectants, along with proper waste disposal systems and functional sharps management protocols.
Dr Idris called on states to establish operational isolation centres and strengthen designated Lassa fever treatment facilities.
He stressed the need for clear referral pathways and efficient triage systems in all public hospitals.
“Healthcare workers must promptly report any exposure to suspected or confirmed cases and avoid self-medication,” he warned.
The NCDC has issued advisories to all State Commissioners of Health and deployed Rapid Response Teams to high-burden areas. Personal protective equipment and essential IPC materials have been distributed to affected states, while targeted sensitization campaigns have been conducted in treatment centres to reinforce compliance.
Dr Idris commended states demonstrating proactive outbreak coordination and rapid case reporting, noting that sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities remains critical to containment.
“Protecting healthcare workers is central to breaking the chain of infection,” he stressed.
He urged the public and health providers to report suspected cases promptly through official surveillance channels, including the toll-free line 6232.
As Nigeria navigates the peak transmission period, Dr Idris insisted that vigilance and institutional discipline will determine the trajectory of the outbreak.
