The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 168 deaths, including 17 probable cases, from Lassa fever between January and August 2024. This marks a 17.1% case fatality rate out of 7,973 suspected cases across 127 local government areas in 28 states. A total of 982 cases were confirmed, with 34 healthcare workers affected.
In response, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris highlighted several key interventions, including hosting the 2024 National Lassa Fever After Action Review workshop, conducting multisectoral webinars, and participating in taskforce meetings with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The agency is also engaging with political leaders to secure support for outbreak response.
To strengthen its efforts, the NCDC is enhancing risk communication and community engagement, broadcasting prevention messages in local languages from September. Additionally, the agency is supporting states with operational readiness assessments and conducting environmental sanitation and deratization exercises in five hotspot states, targeting a reduction in the rodent population by October.
The NCDC is also preparing to deploy its National Rapid Response Team, and from October onwards, surge staff, including clinicians and contact tracers, will be mobilized to sustain interventions throughout the Lassa fever season.
