Lagos Urges Residents To Remain Vigilant Against Lassa Fever

The Lagos State Government has called on residents to remain vigilant against Lassa fever despite the relatively low number of cases recorded in the state this year.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said swift medical intervention and isolation measures had helped prevent community transmission in Lagos, but warned that the disease remained a major public health concern across Nigeria.

In a statement shared via his official X account, Abayomi stressed the need for sustained public awareness, improved hygiene and stronger preventive measures.

“While Lassa fever is a major public health challenge across Nigeria, Lagos has seen only a few cases. Thanks to swift medical action, these cases were rapidly isolated and treated, preventing community spread,” he said.

The commissioner explained that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents and contaminated surfaces, food or water.

He warned that the virus could also spread through exposure to infected bodily fluids and through the handling or consumption of contaminated bushmeat.

According to him, rodents carrying the virus shed infectious particles through urine, faeces, blood and saliva, creating risks in homes and communities with poor sanitation.

Abayomi noted that once the virus enters a community, it can spread from person to person through direct contact with infected individuals.

He urged residents to adopt strict hygiene practices, store food in rodent-proof containers and maintain clean surroundings to reduce exposure to rodents.

The commissioner also advised members of the public to avoid buying, handling or consuming live or freshly killed bushmeat from unknown sources.

“Let’s stay vigilant, practice strict hygiene, and protect our homes, our communities, and our healthcare heroes,” he said.

Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 191 deaths linked to Lassa fever were recorded between April 27 and May 3.

The agency also disclosed that 23 states and 106 local government areas had reported at least one confirmed case this year, with most infections recorded in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states.