The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a warning related to a surge in Lassa fever cases specifically among healthcare workers. The alarming report indicates that two health workers have already succumbed to the disease, while 15 other cases have been confirmed. This outbreak has prompted the NCDC to take action and provide guidance as Nigeria faces the re-emergence of this threatening zoonotic illness.

In their advisory, the NCDC conveyed condolences to the families affected by these tragic losses and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare professionals. The organization highlighted that recent surveillance has uncovered a worrying trend, with infections spreading across various states, including high-burden areas such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue. Each location has been carefully analyzed, with local government areas identified as specific hotspots for the outbreak.

In line with its responsibility, the NCDC is actively investigating these infections to discern the transmission dynamics at play and to mitigate further outbreaks. This response not only seeks to protect healthcare workers but also the broader population, reflecting the interconnectedness of health outcomes among frontline medical responders in the fight against infectious diseases in Nigeria.