NCDC develops preparedness plan ahead of Lassa fever peak season

By Ojoma Akor

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has developed an Accelerated Readiness Plan ahead of the Lassa fever peak season.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this while updating the country on Lassa fever.

Lassa fever occurs year-round, but cases tend to increase during the dry season, particularly between November and April.

Dr Idris said we are not yet in that peak period, which gives us an important opportunity to act now.

He said the plan will focus on what needs to be done between now and the peak Lassa fever season.

While saying the government needs to do more to strengthen preparedness, he said individuals, households, and communities can also take practical steps now to reduce the risk of Lassa fever.

He said, “The plan will be implemented across the country, with additional attention and resources directed to places where the information available to us shows that the burden and risk are greatest.”

Dr Idris explained that following the 2026 Lassa fever response, NCDC, together with states and partners, conducted an After Action Review to examine what worked, what did not work as well as expected, and what needed to be done differently for the next season.

He said some key issues identified from the review include delays in seeking appropriate care, including self-treatment and seeking care at several points before Lassa fever is suspected; continued infections among healthcare workers, particularly when health facilities are under pressure; persistent environmental and household risks, including poor sanitation, unsafe food storage, and exposure to rodents; limited state ownership and over-reliance on national resources; as well as delays in the release of resources needed for preparedness, among others.

He highlighted that these lessons reinforce the need to act before cases increase.

“We must look at the entire pathway from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, referral and treatment, and ensure that the systems, services and resources that are expected to be available can actually function when and where they are needed,” he said.

The NCDC DG added that the approach during this period will be firmly grounded in One Health, adding that the health sector alone cannot prevent and control Lassa fever. Health, environment, agriculture, livestock, local governments and communities have distinct but complementary responsibilities, he said.

He said, “Our task is to ensure that these efforts come together around the same risks and priorities.”

He added that there was also a need to understand changes in Lassa fever epidemiology better.

He said, “The increase in cases observed during the last outbreak has raised important research questions, including whether rodents other than Mastomys may be contributing to transmission, and what role asymptomatic infection may play in transmission.  Alongside our immediate readiness activities, we will continue to support research, including genomic sequencing, to understand these patterns better. We will also continue to support efforts towards the development of candidate Lassa fever vaccines and rapid diagnostic tests.”

He also enjoined Nigerians to remember the following five practical actions.

He said, “First, protect your food. Store rice, garri, beans, maize, and other food items in properly covered containers. Do not leave food where rodents can reach or contaminate it. Food should not be

dried on the bare ground or in places where it can come into contact with rodents, their urine or feces.

“Second, keep rodents away from your home. Where possible, block openings through which rodents can enter your home. Reduce clutter and other conditions that provide hiding places for rodents. If you use rodent-control measures, they should be safe and appropriate.

“Third, keep your surroundings clean. Dispose of refuse properly and keep homes, markets and other

surroundings clean. This responsibility does not rest with households alone. State and Local Governments also have important responsibilities for environmental sanitation, waste management and the maintenance of public spaces.

“Fourth, avoid unsafe contact with rodents. Do not handle rodents with bare hands. Avoid unnecessary contact with rodents, their urine, feces or other body fluids.

“Fifth, seek care early. If you develop a fever or feel unwell, particularly if you live in or have traveled to an area where Lassa fever is known to occur, please seek care promptly at an appropriate health

facility. If you have treated what you believe to be malaria and your symptoms persist, please do not continue treating yourself at home. Seek appropriate medical attention. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference.”