NCDC Urges Stronger State Response As Lassa Fever Cases Rise Nationwide

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)  has raised an alarm over the rise in Lassa fever cases across the country, calling on state governments to urgently strengthen their preparedness and response measures as the nation enters the peak of the dry-season transmission period.

NCDC, in a statement issued on Tuesday, noted that infections have continued to climb, with an increasing number of healthcare workers affected.

The agency described the trend as “a critical concern,” warning that gaps in infection prevention, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate surveillance at state and facility levels are contributing to ongoing transmission.

According to the agency, while the national Incident Coordination Centre and partners remain active in supporting response efforts, state governments must take greater responsibility by enhancing disease surveillance, improving treatment centre readiness, and ensuring the protection of frontline health workers.

The centre emphasised several priority areas requiring immediate action, including: closing operational gaps that fuel community and healthcare-associated infections, improving coordination between state epidemiologists, ministries of health and treatment centres, managing Lassa fever alongside other epidemic-prone diseases currently circulating, and

sustaining public awareness campaigns to promote hygiene, safe food storage and early reporting of symptoms.

The agency also issued a renewed public health advisory, urging Nigerians to take preventive measures seriously during this high-risk period. It encouraged communities to keep homes clean, prevent rodent infestation, avoid bush burning that displaces rodents, and seek medical attention early when symptoms arise.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health, NCDC said it will continue to provide technical support, deploy rapid response teams, and share verified information with the public.