Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has called for increased public vigilance against Lassa fever.

Mr Abayomi in a post on his official Twitter account, emphasised that though the state had recorded only a few cases so far, the disease remained a major public health threat across Nigeria.

He said rapid medical intervention and effective isolation measures had helped prevent community transmission within the state, but stressed that sustained awareness and preventive practices remain essential.

He stated, “While Lassa fever is a major public health challenge across Nigeria, Lagos has seen only a few cases. Thanks to swift medical action, these cases were rapidly isolated and treated, preventing community spread.”

He added that both orthodox and traditional healthcare sectors must remain alert, while communities need a better understanding of how the disease spreads and how infections can be prevented.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted from animals to humans, especially through contact with infected rodents.

The disease is endemic in several West African countries and causes seasonal outbreaks in Nigeria each year, particularly during the dry season.

The virus is commonly carried by wild and household rodents, which shed infectious particles through urine, faeces, saliva and blood.

Mr Abayomi warned that several species of bushmeat might harbour the virus, increasing the risk of transmission through hunting, handling or consumption of infected animals.

He highlighted several ways the virus could spread, including direct contact with infected rodent waste, consumption of food or water contaminated by rodents, and exposure to contaminated household surfaces and objects.

He said, “People can also become infected by inhaling dust particles contaminated with rodent droppings or urine. Once introduced into a community, the disease can spread from person to person through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.”

He stressed that Lassa fever was largely preventable through improved hygiene and environmental sanitation.

The commissioner advised residents to store food in rodent-proof containers, maintain clean surroundings and avoid contact with rodents and wild animals.

He also urged the public to refrain from buying, handling or consuming live or freshly killed bushmeat, particularly from unknown sources.

“Let’s stay vigilant, practice strict hygiene, and protect our homes, our communities, and our healthcare heroes,” Mr Abayomi said.

Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) showed that fatality from the disease rose to 191 between April 27 and May 3.

According to NCDC, 23 states across 106 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case this year.

The agency said ⁠84 per cent of confirmed cases were from Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states, with predominant age group affected being 21 to 30 years. 

(NAN)