By Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria’s disease surveillance authorities have launched a fresh review of hospital safety practices following the deaths of two health workers from Lassa fever and confirmation of 15 infections among medical personnel this year.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control disclosed that the cases were recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7, describing the development as worrisome given the occupational risks faced by frontline workers.
In a public health advisory issued on Monday, the agency said investigations into each infected health worker revealed lapses in infection prevention and control measures within some facilities. According to the NCDC, certain departments underestimated exposure risks, leading to safety protocols that did not fully align with real-time threats.
The affected cases were reported across multiple states, including Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi and Benue—areas historically identified as high-burden zones for Lassa fever. Specific hotspots were also flagged at local government levels.
Health authorities noted that healthcare settings remain particularly vulnerable when standard precautions are not strictly enforced. Person-to-person transmission can occur through contact with bodily fluids, especially in clinical environments lacking adequate protective measures.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. According to the World Health Organization, humans typically contract the disease through exposure to food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, a rodent species commonly found in parts of West Africa.
Although Nigeria records cases annually, public health experts say recurring outbreaks since 2016 highlight the need for sustained surveillance, early diagnosis and stricter infection control practices. Beyond Nigeria, the disease is considered endemic in several West African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The NCDC extended condolences to the families of the deceased health workers and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening hospital-based infection control systems. The agency said it would continue working with state health authorities to retrain staff, review protocols and ensure compliance with protective standards.
Public health officials have also urged healthcare workers to maintain heightened vigilance, promptly report suspected cases and strictly adhere to protective guidelines, especially in high-risk regions.
As Nigeria navigates another Lassa fever season, attention is shifting beyond case numbers to the safety of those on the frontline—underscoring the need for resilient health systems capable of protecting both patients and providers.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.