A severe Lassa fever outbreak continues to ravage Nigeria, with health authorities reporting 516 confirmed cases and 135 deaths since January 2026—a 31 percent increase in fatalities compared to the same period last year.
The situation is particularly dire in Bauchi State, where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has recorded 311 positive cases and 68 deaths between October 2025 and March 2026. Health workers have been disproportionately affected, with at least 37 infections and three deaths among medical personnel, according to the Nigerian Medical Association.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rat urine or feces, presents a unique diagnostic challenge. Early symptoms fever, headache, and body aches often mimic common illnesses like malaria or typhoid, leading to dangerous delays in treatment.
“Lassa fever is a disease that essentially disguises itself,” explained Dr. Ayokunnu Raji, MSF’s Emergency Medical Programme Manager. “Many patients arrive at the treatment centre when they are already critically ill.”
MSF is currently responding to outbreaks across six states, including Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Taraba, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The organization operates a dedicated Lassa Fever Treatment Centre in Bauchi, providing free laboratory diagnosis, antiviral medication, and mental health support. One survivor, Musa, initially believed he had malaria before spending 29 days in treatment.
Beyond the clinical challenges, health workers report persistent stigma surrounding the disease. Affected individuals often face isolation from their communities, complicating both treatment and prevention efforts. Infection prevention remains critical, as caring for suspected or confirmed patients requires full personal protective equipment.
Public health experts warn that environmental conditions are exacerbating the crisis. In Imo State, residents have raised alarms over mounting refuse in urban areas, which creates ideal breeding grounds for rats—the primary carriers of the virus.
Health authorities are urging Nigerians to prioritize rodent control, maintain proper food storage, and seek immediate medical attention for persistent fever. With cases continuing to rise across multiple states, the country faces an urgent battle to contain one of its most persistent viral threats.
Source :Premium Times
