LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigeria’s disease control agency has issued a nationwide alert to doctors following a surge in Lassa fever infections affecting frontline health workers, raising fresh concerns about hospital exposure during the peak transmission season.
Highlighting the worrying phase inside hospitals, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have urged doctors nationwide to strengthen infection prevention practices following a rise in confirmed cases across several states.
In an advisory published Tuesday and signed by the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency warned that the disease remains a major public health concern, particularly during the dry season when transmission typically intensifies.
Recent surveillance data reveal sustained spread of the virus in multiple states, with a troubling proportion of infections recorded among healthcare workers. Doctors and nurses account for many of these cases, underscoring the danger faced by medical personnel who often encounter undiagnosed feverish illnesses first.
“Protecting healthcare workers and preventing healthcare-associated transmission must remain a national priority,” the advisory stated.
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Health officials therefore urged clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion when treating patients with persistent fever, especially in endemic areas. Cases that fail to respond to malaria treatment, the agency said, should prompt immediate evaluation for Lassa fever. Typical warning signs include headache, sore throat, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding and facial swelling.
Furthermore, the NCDC stressed that early detection remains critical. Prompt isolation of suspected cases and swift notification of health authorities can significantly reduce transmission within healthcare facilities. Particularly, vigilance is required in high-traffic clinical units where patients first seek treatment. Departments such as, outpatient, emergency units, and obstetrics and gynaecology wards have been identified as key exposure points when suspected cases go unrecognized.
Health authorities linked several infections among medical staff to delayed diagnosis in these areas, allowing the virus to spread before proper precautions were taken.
To address the risk, the agency directed hospitals to enforce strict infection prevention protocols during all patient interactions. Recommended measures include frequent hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, safe disposal of sharps objects, and thorough disinfection of clinical environments. Healthcare facility managers were also advised to guarantee a steady supply of protective materials such as gloves, masks, gowns, disinfectants and hand hygiene products.
Meanwhile, medical workers who develop symptoms consistent with Lassa fever were advised to report immediately to designated health authorities for evaluation. The NCDC cautioned against self-medication or postponing treatment, noting that delays among infected health workers have contributed to severe outcomes.
Hospitals were equally encouraged to strengthen preparedness by introducing clear triage systems, maintaining functional isolation units and conducting regular staff training on early recognition of the disease. The NCDC emphasized that doctors play a critical leadership role in enforcing infection control practices within healthcare facilities and supporting the country’s readiness to manage infectious disease outbreaks.
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Nigeria records outbreaks every year, particularly between November and April when human contact with rodents tends to increase. Ultimately, strengthened surveillance, rapid diagnosis, prompt treatment, plus strict infection control remain central to protecting health workers while limiting the spread of the virus across communities.
