15 health workers infected as 2 die in Edo, other States amid lassa fever surge... NCDC warns health workers to follow strict safety protocols during peak transmission season

BENIN CITY: Fifteen frontline health workers, including two who have died, have contracted Lassa fever in Edo State and other affected regions, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed, as the country grapples with a surge in infections during the peak transmission period.

Presently, Edo joins Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue among states recording rising cases, with several local government areas identified as hotspots. 

In Edo, hospitals in Benin City and other major towns have been placed on high alert, with enhanced screening and isolation procedures for suspected cases.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, said the infections and deaths underline persistent gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in health facilities, particularly in outpatient and general wards. 

“Protecting our medical staff is central to sustaining outbreak response. Strict adherence to IPC practices, early detection, and coordinated state-level action will save lives,” he said.

Investigations indicate that exposure risks increase when undiagnosed febrile patients first present in general hospital wards, where staff may not suspect Lassa fever. Delayed recognition, combined with irregular supply or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), contributes significantly to hospital-based transmission. 

Non-clinical staff, including cleaners, porters, and administrative officers, are also vulnerable without adequate training and protective gear.

The advisory also highlighted other risk factors, including late care-seeking by healthcare workers themselves, self-medication, and fear of isolation. 

NCDC investigations found an average six-day delay between symptom onset and reporting among affected staff, increasing the likelihood of severe complications and fatalities.

In response, Edo State

Ministry of Health has been directed to reinforce IPC training for all hospital personnel, ensure uninterrupted supplies of gloves, masks, gowns, respirators, and disinfectants, and maintain functional Lassa fever isolation and treatment centres. 

Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to high-risk areas, while hospitals continue targeted sensitization campaigns to improve compliance and awareness.

Dr Idris urged all healthcare facilities to observe strict hygiene protocols, including regular hand washing with soap and running water, safe specimen handling, proper waste disposal, and routine environmental disinfection. He emphasised that standard precautions must be applied to every patient, regardless of diagnosis.

The NCDC also called on the public to report suspected Lassa fever cases promptly via the toll-free line 6232 and warned that continued collaboration between federal and state authorities, along with institutional discipline in hospitals, is essential to preventing further spread.

As Edo and other states navigate the peak Lassa fever season, health authorities are urging heightened vigilance, strict adherence to safety protocols, and immediate reporting of any suspected infections to curb the outbreak and protect frontline workers.