Doctors and other healthcare workers across Nigeria have been urged to remain on high alert as Lassa fever continues to spread, with health authorities warning of rising infections among frontline medical personnel.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Nigerian Medical Association issued the joint advisory on Monday, urging strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures in health facilities.
The advisory, signed by the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, noted that Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season between November and April.
The warning comes weeks after the Nigerian Medical Association and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors raised concerns over the safety of healthcare workers following the death of a medical doctor and the infection of 15 others from the disease.
According to the NCDC, recent surveillance data show continued transmission of the disease in several states, with a worrying number of infections recorded among healthcare workers.
The agency noted that many of those infected are doctors and nurses who often serve as the first point of contact for patients presenting with undiagnosed febrile illnesses.
It urged clinicians to maintain a high level of suspicion for Lassa fever in patients with persistent fever that does not respond to malaria treatment, particularly in endemic states.
Doctors were also advised to watch for symptoms such as headache, sore throat, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding and facial swelling.
The NCDC stressed that early detection, prompt isolation of suspected cases and immediate notification of health authorities are essential to preventing the spread of the disease in healthcare facilities.
Healthcare workers were also urged to strictly follow infection prevention measures, including regular hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment and proper disinfection of clinical environments.
Hospital managers were advised to ensure the consistent availability of protective supplies such as gloves, masks, gowns and disinfectants.
The agency also warned healthcare workers who develop symptoms consistent with Lassa fever to seek immediate medical evaluation and avoid self-medication.
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