WHO advises increased attention to community, hygiene to combat Nigerian Lassa outbreak

Lassa Fever has broken out in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with 1081 suspected cases spread across 18 states.

Among these, 72 deaths have been confirmed as linked to the fever, though as many as 90 may have actually died from it. Four of the dead were health care workers, though 14 have been affected. All of this has transpired just since the beginning of the year. As a result, three labs are currently processing samples for Lassa fever and the WHO is on site to provide enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and to strengthen the region’s diagnostic capabilities and communication.

By their estimation, prevention of the endemic disease relies on fairly simple means, though: community engagement and good hygiene. Standard infection prevention and control measures should suffice in hospital settings, while seemingly affected travelers to Lassa-riddled areas should be reported to local and national experts for guidance and testing.

Rodent urine and feces contaminating household items or food are the common routes of infection with Lassa, though person to person infection is also possible. Death rates rise by fifteen times among those hospitalized with a severe case, so early supportive care that includes hydration is critical.

This case is the largest outbreak of Lassa Fever ever reported in Nigeria.