Family health physician and public health advocate, Dr. Blossom Maduafokwa, has raised concern that Nigeria is still battling Lassa fever 56 years after it was first discovered, warning that poor sanitation, lack of public education, and weak healthcare response continue to fuel preventable deaths.
Speaking on ARISE News Sunday, Dr. Maduafokwa described Lassa fever as *“a very important public health issue” with a high fatality rate, stressing that the infection remains widespread because the root causes have not been adequately addressed.
“Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic infection caused by the Lassa virus, which primarily infects rodents — particularly the mastomys or multi-mammate rat. These rats are easily identified because they have multiple breasts on their underbelly,” she explained.
“The disease spreads when rodents contaminate food or household items with urine or faeces. People can get infected by eating or inhaling contaminated materials, and infected persons often present with fever, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, bleeding from various parts of the body.”
Maduafokwa noted that despite the disease being identified in 1969 in a town called Lassa in northern Nigeria, the country has not developed an effective prevention and control strategy.
“We’ve had 56 years to study this disease and provide solutions,” she lamented. “Environmental sanitation is critical. Managing and controlling the rodent population is key. Public education is also vital — people need to know not to dry food outside or handle dead rodents. Simple hygiene measures like regular handwashing and safe food storage can make a big difference.”
She added that healthcare professionals treating infected patients are also at risk, calling for improved infection control training and resources in health facilities.
“Healthcare professionals must maintain a high index of suspicion because Lassa fever often presents like malaria,” she advised. “People should not self-medicate. Everyone with fever and body aches should seek care from a qualified health provider. Many don’t realise that primary health centres are free, and that delay in seeking care can be fatal.”
Turning to another public health concern, Dr. Maduafokwa spoke about the link between thunderstorms and asthma attacks, noting that new studies confirm environmental triggers can significantly worsen respiratory health.
“Asthma is an allergic reaction that affects the lungs. When allergens like pollen, dust or animal hair are inhaled, they cause the airways to contract and fill with fluid, making breathing difficult,” she said.
“Thunderstorms can trigger asthma attacks because lightning and strong winds break down pollen into tiny particles that spread widely in the air. When people with asthma inhale these allergens, it can provoke a severe attack.”
Beyond infectious and respiratory diseases, Dr. Maduafokwa also highlighted the importance of lifestyle choices, especially diet and fitness, in maintaining long-term health.
“As we get older, our basal metabolic rate drops, but most people still eat the same quantity of food,” she explained. “Your portion sizes must match your age and level of physical activity. I tell my clients to focus on three things: quantity, quality, and food preparation.”
“Reduce processed carbohydrates and eat more foods rich in colour and fibre — like beans and sweet potatoes. Preparation matters too: frying plantain doubles its calories. Try boiling, baking, grilling, or air frying instead.”
Maduafokwa concluded by urging Nigerians to develop a healthier relationship with food, guided by personal motivation and long-term health goals.
“Find your why — your reason to stay healthy,” she advised. “Maybe you’ve seen your parents age poorly and you don’t want that. Your why will remind you to eat right, exercise, and live consciously.”
Boluwatife Enome
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