EKITI BOOSTS PREPAREDNESS, ISSUES PUBLIC ADVISORY ON LASSA FEVER
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Ekiti State Government has raised concern over the rising cases and fatalities from Lassa fever across the country, including the recent deaths of health workers due to the disease.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, stated that while there are no confirmed Lassa fever cases in the state, the government has strengthened the capacity of healthcare workers and facilities, providing personal protective equipment and handwashing supplies.
Gbenga-Igotun made the disclosure in a statement titled, “Lassa Fever Advisory for Healthcare Workers: EKSG Calls for Heightened Index of Suspicion and Implementation of Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Healthcare Facilities,” released in Ado Ekiti on Friday.
The advisory noted, “Current surveillance data from the National Centre for Disease Control indicates a concerning rise in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers nationwide, with 11 confirmed cases and two deaths reported as of epidemiological week four, January 2026.”
“Cumulatively, 121 cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed nationwide, with 25 deaths reported since January 2026. This trend is a matter of serious concern. We extend our heartfelt condolences over the recent loss of healthcare workers to the disease,” Mrs. Gbenga-Igotun said.
She urged residents to take personal responsibility in preventing the spread of Lassa fever within their communities and healthcare facilities, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of medical personnel.
The government also commended the dedication of healthcare workers, particularly Infection Prevention and Control focal persons, across state-owned tertiary, secondary, and primary health institutions.
The Permanent Secretary stated, “The Ekiti State Government has enhanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) capacity among healthcare workers through its IPC pillar, which provides guidelines to health facilities and convenes regular meetings with IPC focal persons to ensure adherence.
“Personal protective equipment and handwashing supplies are also routinely distributed to healthcare facilities to safeguard our workers. We now depend on our trained personnel to apply their expertise diligently during this period.”
She added that the state government, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has advised healthcare workers to consistently observe standard precautions when handling patients and body fluids.
Healthcare workers were urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, emphasizing that not all fevers are caused by malaria. Suspected malaria cases should be tested using Rapid Diagnostic Tests, and if results are negative, other causes of febrile illnesses, including Lassa fever, should be investigated. Any illness that does not improve after 48 hours of anti-malaria treatment or antibiotics should raise concern.
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The advisory also recommended regular cleaning of hospital environments with appropriate methods and materials, as well as the safe disposal of healthcare waste.
“Implementing these measures is critical to reducing Lassa fever transmission and protecting healthcare workers. All suspected cases should be reported immediately to the local government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or through the Event-Based Surveillance Centre lines,” the statement added.
The Media reported that, the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency warned food processors, garri production centres, and street food vendors to adhere to strict hygiene and waste management standards or face sanctions, as part of efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever.
The agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, expressed concern over environmental practices that could increase the risk of the viral disease.
The General Manager, Jide Aina, highlighted that Lassa fever is commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or consumption of food contaminated by rodents’ urine or droppings.
“Food handlers occupy a critical role in protecting public health, particularly by preventing contamination during food processing, storage, and sales,” the statement added.
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