Lassa Fever: NCDC confirms 15 health workers contract infection

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified its Lassa fever response after confirming infections among frontline health workers during the peak transmission season. The agency warned that strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures remained the most effective defence against hospital-based transmission. Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, issued the […]

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified its Lassa fever response after confirming infections among frontline health workers during the peak transmission season.

The agency warned that strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures remained the most effective defence against hospital-based transmission.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, issued the advisory on Monday in Abuja amid rising case numbers nationwide.

He confirmed that 15 healthcare workers had contracted Lassa fever, with two deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week Seven.

The infections, he said, underlined persistent gaps in clinical vigilance and infection control practices within some health facilities.

“Strict adherence to IPC practices, early detection, and coordinated state-level action will save lives and prevent further transmission,” Idris said.

He described the loss of medical personnel as deeply concerning, stressing that their protection was fundamental to sustaining outbreak response capacity.

According to him, affected states include Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi and Benue, with several local government areas identified as hotspots. (NAN)