Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria Sickens Hundreds

This map shows the distribution of Lassa Fever outbreaks in Africa. Countries in blue report substantial outbreaks constantly. Countries with less consistent cases of the virus are shown in green. (Wikimedia Commons)

With 41 dead, Nigeria is in the grips of a new outbreak of Lassa Fever, the growth of which the country is struggling to stem. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control has reported 689 suspected cases of the virus so far this year, compared to only 539 cases in 2019. Five of those affected by the disease are health workers. 

As of writing, cases of the virus have been reported in 19 of Nigeria’s 36 states, with 89 percent of all cases in Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi states. Most of those affected thus far have been between the ages of 11 and 40.

In response to this large increase in suspected cases, the Nigerian Centers for Disease Control (NCDC) has increased its efforts to coordinate the response of regional health authorities. NCDC is also working to ensure that the country’s five testing facilities are working at full capacity, so that suspected cases can be confirmed as soon as possible. It is also planning to designate at least one official treatment center in every state.

The government has increased “risk communications and community engagement activities” through television, radio, and print media in an effort to educate citizens about the disease and how it is spread. 

Health authorities likely face an uphill battle in combating the virus’ spread. It is endemic to Nigeria and spread through human contact with rodent-contaminated food stores. The animal that carries the disease, known as the virus’ “mammal vector,” is the multimammate rat. This species is found widely across Nigeria.

The rats often live in and around human dwellings, increasing the chance of infection. Although animal-to-human infection is the most common way Lassa Fever is spread, it is also possible to contract the virus through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

Symptoms of Lassa Fever in 80 percent of patients are minor, but the disease can lead to hemorrhaging and organ failure for some. The only drug found to be effective against the disease thus far is Ribavirin, an antiviral.