The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has unveiled an Accelerated Readiness Plan to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against a seasonal rise in Lassa fever.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, announced the plan on Wednesday in Abuja during a briefing on Lassa fever prevention and preparedness for the 2026/2027 season.
Although Lassa fever occurs throughout the year, Idris said infections typically increase during the dry season, particularly between November and April.
He said the period before the seasonal peak offered an opportunity to strengthen prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment systems before pressure on the health system increases.
The plan followed an After Action Review of Nigeria’s 2026 Lassa fever response, conducted by the NCDC, states and partners to assess successes, identify gaps and improve preparedness.
According to Idris, the review highlighted several challenges, including delays in seeking appropriate care, self-treatment, healthcare worker infections, environmental and household risks, inadequate state ownership and delays in releasing preparedness funds.
The review also found a gap between healthcare capacity available “on paper” and what was actually functional.
“For example, having a dialysis machine does not mean dialysis is available if the trained personnel, consumables, water treatment, maintenance and other requirements needed to operate it are not in place,” Idris said.
He said the new plan would strengthen the entire Lassa fever response chain, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, referral and treatment.
“We must look at the entire pathway, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, referral and treatment, and ensure that the systems, services and resources that are expected to be available can actually function when and where they are needed,” he said.
The NCDC said the plan would be implemented nationwide, with additional attention and resources directed to areas where evidence shows higher Lassa fever burden and risk.
Key measures include earlier detection, prompt reporting and investigation of suspected cases, improved environmental sanitation and waste management, and safer food storage and handling.
The agency will also work with environmental health, agriculture and livestock authorities to tackle risks linked to rodents and their interaction with human populations.
Idris urged Nigerians to seek medical attention promptly when they develop fever or feel unwell, particularly if they live in or have travelled to areas where Lassa fever occurs.
He specifically warned against prolonged self-treatment for malaria.
“If you have treated what you believe to be malaria and your symptoms persist, please do not continue treating yourself at home. Seek appropriate medical attention. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference,” he said.
NCDC Targets Healthcare Worker Infections
The agency will strengthen infection prevention and control measures, particularly in high-risk facilities, through intensified support, including its IPC Ring Strategy.
Idris said precautions should begin as soon as a patient makes contact with the healthcare system rather than waiting for Lassa fever to be confirmed.
“Appropriate precautions should begin from the first point of contact with a patient and not only after Lassa fever has been confirmed,” he said.
Treatment centres will also be prepared to receive and manage patients, with essential medicines, laboratory supplies and protective equipment made available where required.
Idris said every Lassa fever infection involving a healthcare worker should be investigated, with exposed workers followed up and identified gaps addressed.
“We must learn from each healthcare worker infection and use what we learn to prevent another,” he said.
He urged healthcare workers to “THINK LASSA. PROTECT. REPORT. REFER.”
Nigerians Urged To Keep Rodents Away
The NCDC boss said government intervention alone would not be enough to prevent Lassa fever, urging households and communities to reduce exposure to rodents.
He advised Nigerians to store rice, garri, beans, maize and other food items in properly covered containers and prevent contamination by rodents, their urine or faeces.
Households should also block openings through which rodents can enter, reduce clutter and other potential hiding places, and dispose of refuse properly.
Idris warned against handling rodents with bare hands or unnecessary contact with their urine, faeces or other body fluids.
The NCDC will also intensify its “Turn a Community Orange” (TACO) initiative in selected high-risk communities to promote preventive behaviour, preparedness, early reporting and referral.
The agency said it would continue researching changing Lassa fever patterns, including the possible involvement of rodents other than Mastomys and the role of asymptomatic infections.
Genomic sequencing will also be used to understand emerging patterns, while research into candidate Lassa fever vaccines and rapid diagnostic tests will continue.
States Told To Prepare Before Cases Rise
Idris called on state and local governments, particularly those with recurrent Lassa fever transmission, to use the pre-peak period to strengthen their preparedness.
He urged states to improve sanitation and waste management, engage environmental health officers and community structures, and ensure health facilities can recognise suspected cases, protect healthcare workers, report infections and make appropriate referrals.
States should also ensure functional surveillance systems, clear laboratory referral pathways and treatment-centre readiness, while essential medicines, laboratory supplies and infection prevention commodities are delivered before infections increase.
“Preparedness is most effective when we act before the pressure on our health system rises,” Idris said.
He described Lassa fever prevention and control as a One Health responsibility requiring collaboration among the health, environment, agriculture and livestock sectors, local governments, communities and partners.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remember five key preventive measures: protect your food, keep rodents away, keep your surroundings clean, avoid unsafe contact with rodents and seek care early.
“We should not wait for cases to rise before we act. The time to prepare is now,” Idris said.
