NCDC raises alarm as 15 health workers contract Lassa fever, 2 die

By Chioma Obinna

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, NCDC, on Monday in an advisory to healthcare workers called for a heightened index of suspicion and strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures following a disturbing rise in Lassa fever infections among medical personnel.

In a public health advisory released at the peak of the 2025/2026 Lassa fever transmission season, the NCDC confirmed that 15 healthcare workers have tested positive for Lassa fever, with two fatalities recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7.

“The safety of healthcare workers remains our highest priority.

We urge all healthcare personnel to take every necessary measure to prevent Lassa fever infection and the associated loss of life.”

He expressed deep sympathy over the recent infections and deaths, describing the trend as “deeply concerning” and avoidable with strict adherence to standard precautions.

Healthcare worker infections have been reported across several states, particularly high-burden areas such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue, with some outbreaks traced to specific local government areas.

According to the NCDC, investigations into each healthcare worker infection revealed troubling gaps in infection prevention and control practices.

“Recent findings show gaps in IPC implementation and missed exposure risks in certain hospital departments,” Idris said.

“These gaps have resulted in prevention strategies that are misaligned with actual exposure risks with fatal consequences.”

The agency identified a low index of suspicion among healthcare workers, inconsistent availability and improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and underestimation of risks in outpatient departments and general wards as major drivers of infections.

“Undiagnosed patients frequently present in outpatient units and general wards,” the NCDC warned.
“It is dangerous to assume that only isolation units pose a threat.”

The advisory also noted that non-clinical staff including cleaners, porters, and administrative officers — are equally at risk and must be included in IPC training and protective measures.

Alarmingly, surveillance data showed an average six-day delay between symptom onset and infected healthcare workers seeking care.

“This delay is often due to fear of stigma or self-medication at home,” Idris said. “Healthcare workers must avoid self-treatment and immediately report symptoms or exposure.”

The NCDC explained that infections in healthcare settings typically occur through contact with infected blood, urine, vomit, or other body fluids; performing clinical procedures without adequate PPE; poor hand hygiene; handling contaminated instruments; and delayed recognition and isolation of suspected cases.

It stressed that standard precautions must be applied to all patients at all times, regardless of diagnosis.
“Hand hygiene is the first line of protection,” the advisory stated. “Healthcare workers must wash hands before and after every patient contact, after contact with body fluids, and after removing gloves. Alcohol-based hand rub should be used when hands are not visibly soiled.”

Health facilities were directed to ensure the availability of gloves, masks, respirators, eye protection, gowns, disinfectants, and proper waste disposal systems.

The NCDC urged states and health facilities to establish functional isolation areas, maintain designated treatment centres where possible, and ensure clear referral pathways for suspected cases.

“All suspected cases must be reported immediately to the LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or through the NCDC toll-free line, 6232,” Idris emphasised.

The agency disclosed that it has deployed Rapid Response Teams to high-burden states, distributed PPE and essential IPC supplies, conducted targeted sensitisation in treatment centres, and issued state-specific advisories.

“We commend states like Edo that have taken control of the outbreak within their jurisdictions,” Idris noted. “We will continue to support all hotspot states and LGAs.”

He concluded with a strong warning: “Protecting healthcare workers is central to controlling Lassa fever. Strict adherence to IPC practices, early detection, and coordinated state-level action will save lives and prevent further transmission.”

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